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. 2000 Apr;17(4):222–228. doi: 10.1023/A:1009495913119

Relationships Between Concentrations of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Nitric Oxide in Follicular Fluid and Oocyte Quality

Kyu Sup Lee 1,2, Bo Sun Joo 3, Yong Jin Na 1, Man Soo Yoon 1, Ook Hwan Choi 1, Won Whe Kim 1
PMCID: PMC3455467  PMID: 10955247

Abstract

Purpose: Our objective was to explain a relationshipbetween concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)and nitric oxide (NO) in follicular fluid, oocyte quality, andoutcomes of in vitro fertilization=nembryo transfer (IVF-ET).

Methods: The concentrations of TNF-α and NO weremeasured in 115 follicular fluid samples collected from 43patients undergoing IVF-ET program, due to tubalobstruction, some with endometriosis (8 patients) or hydrosalpinx(5 patients). A correlation of these factors concentrationsand the oocyte quality, the oocyte maturity, andinfertility-associated diseases was analyzed.

Results: No correlation was found between concentrationsof NO and TNF-α in follicular fluid. NO concentrations infollicular fluids were significantly higher in patients withendometriosis (P < 0.001) or hydrosalpinx (P < 0.01)compared to the patients with just tubal obstruction. FollicularNO concentration differences according to oocyte maturityand oocyte quality were not found. In contrast, TNF-αconcentrations in follicular fluids were significantly higher inpoor quality oocytes (P < 0.05) but were not associatedwith infertility-associated diseases, such as hydrosalphinxor endometriosis, and the oocyte maturity. No significantdifferences in follicular levels of NO and TNF-α as well asIVF-ET parameters of pregnant and nonpregnant groupswere revealed.

Conclusions: There is no significant correlation betweenthe concentrations of NO and TNF-α in follicular fluid. NOlevels in follicular fluid are altered in infertility-associateddiseases. However, TNF-α levels but not NO levels influenceoocyte quality. These results suggest that the production ofNO and TNF-α in follicular fluid may be regulated viadifferent pathways and can be tempered withinfertility-associated diseases, thereby influencing oocyte qualitylocally.

Keywords: follicular fluid, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, oocyte quality

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