Association of serum and follicular fluid leptin and ghrelin levels with in vitro fertilization success

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle outcomes, serum and follicular fluid (FF) levels of leptin and ghrelin. Material and methods:Forty-four women who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (ICSI) were enrolled in the study. On the third day (D3) of the menstrual cycle, venous blood samples were drawn for serum measurements of leptin and ghrelin. The follicular fluid (FF) and the corresponding oocyte were obtained from a single dominant preovulatory follicle at the time of oocyte pick-up. The FF and D3 serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between pregnancy rate and serum, follicular fluid levels of leptin and ghrelin were analyzed. Results:Of the 44 cases included, nineteen achieved clinical pregnancy (43.18%). Follicular fluid ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the pregnant group than non-pregnant group (p < 0.05) With respect to FF leptin, there was no statistically significant differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant women (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in D3 serum ghrelin between pregnant and non-pregnant groups (p > 0.05). However, D3 serum leptin levels were significantly lower in pregnant women than non-pregnant women (p < 0.05). Conclusions:Lower ghrelin levels in the follicular fluid were associated with higher pregnancy rates. Also, D3 serum leptin levels were inversely correlated with clinical pregnancy rates. These findings support the potential role of these molecules on IVF outcomes.

Identification of Prolificacy‐Related Differentially Expressed Proteins from Sheep (Ovis aries) Hypothalamus by Comparative Proteomics

“…Numerous studies involving GnRH and several neuroendocrine factors, such as kisspeptins and neurokinin B, known to be related to GnRH release have been widely studied. Furthermore, some metabolic factors including leptin, insulin, and ghrelin, have also been found to regulate GnRH release by mediating kiss‐1 neuronal activities. The hypothalamus, therefore, plays a crucial role in mammalian reproduction.…”

The Role of the Gastric Hormones Ghrelin and Nesfatin-1 in Reproduction

“…Indeed, in mice ghrelin analogue sc treatment before mating and during beginning of pregnancy decreased the ratio of number of fetuses per corpora lutea [179], and 2-4 nmol/mouse applied around copulation or implantation elevated the percentage of atrophied fetuses [181]. As a result, reduced follicular fluid ghrelin was related to higher pregnancy rates [188], indicating a negative effect of ghrelin on fetus quantity; however, other reports indicate a positive effect of ghrelin on fetus quality. This hypothesis is corroborated by observations of reduced number of pups born per litter, but no effect on number of successful pregnancies at term or gestational length due to daily sc ghrelin administration in the first half of pregnancy [189].…”