Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor in serum and follicular fluid on inhibin B and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation outcomes

Objective To explore the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) during different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols on inhibin B (INHB) and COH outcomes. Methods The expression of VEGF and INHB in the serum and FF were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 38 patients in down-regulation protocol (group A) and 38 patients in non-pituitary down-regulation protocol (group B). Meanwhile, the correlations of VEGF with INHB and COH outcomes were analyzed. Results 1) The level of VEGF in serum after down-regulation for 18 d was significantly decreased, and VEGF in group A [(81.50±32.59) ng/L] on gonadotrophins (Gn) starting day was significantly lower than that in group B [(123.64±53.90) ng/L] (P 0.05). 3) VEGF level on the fifth day of Gn stimulation had the strongest relationship with COH outcomes (P 0.05). However, stastical difference was found in small follicles (P=0.014). What’s more, VEGF level in big follicles presented strongly negative colleration with COH outcomes. 5) VEGF levels in serum and FF were dramatically negatively correlated with INHB in COH. Conclusions The levels of VEGF in serum, big and middle follicles are negative with ovarian response and COH outcomes, and VEGF may inhibit the secretion of INHB in COH. Key words: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); Inhibin B (INHB); Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH)