Mh. Ozornek et al., Epidermal growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor levels in follicular fluid - Association with in vitro fertilization outcome, J REPRO MED, 44(4), 1999, pp. 367-369
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.