Korean J Obstet Gynecol.
2001 Jul;44(7):1307-1312.
Relationships Between Concentrations of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
and Nitric Oxide in Follicular Fluid and Oocyte Quality
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine,
Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to explain a relationship between concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) in follicular fluid, oocyte quality, and outcomes of in vitro fertilization- embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
METHOD: The concentrations of TNF-alpha and NO were measured in 115 follicular fluid samples
collected from 43 patients undergoing IVF-ET program, due to tubal obstruction, some with endometriosis (8
patients) or hydrosalpinx (5 patients). A correlation of these factors concentrations and the oocyte quality, the
oocyte marurity, and infertility associated disease was analyzed
RESULT: No correlation was found between concentrations of NO and TNF-alpha in follicular fluid. NO
concentrations in follicular fluids were significantly higher in patients with endometriosis (P<0.001) or
hydrosalpinx (P<0.01) compared to the patients with just tubal obstruction. Follicular NO concentration
differences according to oocyte maturity and oocyte quality were not found. In contrast, TNF-alpha concentrations
in follicular fluids were significantly higher in poor quality oocytes (P<0.05) but were not associated with
infertility-associated diseases, such as hydrosalpinx or endometriosis, and the oocyte maturity. No significant
differences in follicular levels of NO and TNF-alpha as well as IVF-ET parameters of pregnant and nonpregnant
groups were revealed.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no significant correlation between the concentrations of NO and TNF-alpha in
follicular fluid. NO levels in follicular fluid are altered in infertility-associated disease. However, TNF-alpha
levels but not NO levels influence oocyte quality. These results suggest that the production of NO and TNF-
alpha in follicular fluid may be regulated via different pathways and can be tempered with infertility-associated
disease, thereby influencing oocyte quality locally.