IL-6 of follicular fluid and outcome of in vitro fertilization

Abstract

The quality of an oocyte is influenced by its microenvironment, which includes cumulus cells and follicular fluid, as well as cells of the immune system and their products. The ovarian interleukins, which are secreted by the granulosa cells and other immune cells within the ovaries and follicles, regulate various functions between the cells. IL-6 is a cytokine that is present in the follicular fluid and may affect the quality of oocytes. There are some inconsistencies in the literature regarding the concentration of interleukin 6 in the follicular fluid.

The main objective of this study was to examine whether the concentration of interleukin 6 in the follicular fluid affects the outcome of IVF.

This study involved 83 patients who underwent IVF. Follicular fluid was used as the biological material for the analysis. Examination of the obtained follicular fluid and collection of oocytes under a stereomicroscope was performed in the embryological laboratory. The concentration of IL-6 in the follicular fluid was analyzed. IVF and ICSI methods were used as the fertilization methods. Pregnancy was confirmed by the positive serum β-hCG level. The software package SPSS 20 was used for statistical data processing.

Analysis of the follicular fluid samples showed a correlation between the concentration of IL-6 in the follicular fluid and the outcome of IVF. The concentration of IL-6 in the follicular fluid was higher in patients with confirmed pregnancy (9.55 ± 7.47 ng/ml).

Based on our results, we conclude that the concentration of IL-6 affects the outcome of IVF. If the range of IL-6 concentration is between 3,67 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, we can expect good IVF outcome with vital pregnancy.