No cyclicity in serum vascular endothelial growth factor during normal menstrual cycle but significant luteal phase elevation during an in vitro fertilization program

PROBLEM: To compare changes in serum Vascular endothelial growth factor (VE GF) levers during normal and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. METHOD OF STUDY: Ten healthy women with ovulatory cycles and 37 infertile w omen participating in an IVF program were followed by frequent serum sample s and with VEGF measurements throughout their cycles. RESULTS: Serum VEGF remained unchanged during the normal menstrual cycle, w hereas the IVF program participants showed elevations in serum VEGF in the luteal phase of the cycle. When data from controls and patients were pooled , redundant midluteal VEGF level correlated with progesterone and with peak follicular phase estrogen level. The midluteal VEGF level in the IVF cycle s was associated with body mass index (P < 0.01) and progesterone level (P < 0.05) by multiple regression. The 14 women conceiving tended to have high er VEGF levels than those failing to become pregnant. CONCLUSIONS: The IVF program was associated with increased synthesis of VEG F either in the ovaries, endometrium, or at other sites and this may be of significance for the outcome of IVF.