Cytokine levels and lipid peroxidation status in the blood, follicular fluid, and saliva of infertile women and their relationship with the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization
26.09.2025
17:17
Infertility affects approximately 17% of couples worldwide, representing approximately one-sixth of the adult population, underscoring the significance of this issue. The causes of infertility are diverse and affect human reproductive function. However, the role of immune disorders in the development of acute and chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system in women has not yet been thoroughly investigated.
Russian researchers conducted a study aimed to determine the levels of TNF-α, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, VEGF, MCP-1, malondialdehyde, and the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood serum, follicular fluid, and saliva of infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to assess their impact on treatment effectiveness. This study included 32 women diagnosed with infertility who were undergoing IVF treatment.
The cytokine levels in the follicular fluid were higher than those in the blood serum and saliva, regardless of IVF effectiveness. In women who successfully completed the IVF program (group 1), interleukin-8 levels increased 1.27-fold, MCP-1 levels increased 1.42-fold, and SOD activity decreased 2.54-fold in the follicular fluid. No significant differences were observed in the serum and saliva parameters.
The study found that follicular fluid contained the highest concentrations of cytokines, whereas TNF-α levels were nearly undetectable. In patients with favorable IVF outcomes, interleukin-8 and MCP-1 levels in the follicular fluid were higher than those in patients with negative IVF results. Distinct features of the cytokine profile were identified that may serve as potential predictors of ART program outcomes in patients diagnosed with infertility.
