Epidermal growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor levels in follicular fluid - Association with in vitro fertilization outcome

OBJECTIVE: To determine the levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) ann leu kemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in follicular fluid, if any, and to assess th e association of these cytokines with the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF). STUDY DESIGN: EGF and LIF levels determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 60 preovulatory follicular fluids were compared with 25 IVF outcom es. RESULTS: Immunoreactive EGF and LIF could be detected in human follicular f luid. Levels of these cytokines were similar in FF obtained from follicles that resulted in fertilized oocytes and those that did Mot. EGF levels were significantly lower in patients establishing a pregnancy as compared to pa tients achieving no pregnancy (P <.007). LIF levels were similar in both gr oups of patients. CONCLUSION: EGF appears to he associated with IVF outcome.