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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Follicular fluid placental growth factor is increased in polycystic ovarian syndrome: correlation with ovarian stimulation

Authors: Reshef Tal, David B Seifer, Richard V Grazi, Henry E Malter

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by increased ovarian angiogenesis and vascularity. Accumulating evidence indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is increased in PCOS and may play an important role in these vascular changes and the pathogenesis of this disease. Placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF family member, has not been previously characterized in PCOS women. We investigated levels and temporal expression patterns of PlGF and its soluble receptor sFlt-1 (soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of women with PCOS during controlled ovarian stimulation.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 14 PCOS women (Rotterdam criteria) and 14 matched controls undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Serum was collected on day 3, day of hCG and day of oocyte retrieval. FF was collected on retrieval day. PlGF, sFlt-1 and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) protein concentrations were measured using ELISA. Since sFlt-1 binds free PlGF, preventing its signal transduction, we calculated PlGF bioavailability as PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio.

Results

Serum PlGF and sFlt-1 levels were constant throughout controlled ovarian stimulation, and no significant differences were observed in either factor in PCOS women compared with non-PCOS controls at all three measured time points. However, FF PlGF levels were increased 1.5-fold in PCOS women compared with controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, FF PlGF correlated positively with number of oocytes retrieved and the ovarian reserve marker anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and negatively with age. In addition, FF sFlt-1 levels were decreased 1.4-fold in PCOS women compared to controls (p = 0.04). PlGF bioavailability in FF was significantly greater (2-fold) in PCOS women compared with non-PCOS controls (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

These data provide evidence that FF PlGF correlates with ovarian stimulation and that its bioavailability is increased in women with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. This suggests that PlGF may play a role in PCOS pathogenesis and its angiogenic dysregulation.

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Title: Follicular fluid placental growth factor is increased in polycystic ovarian syndrome: correlation with ovarian stimulation
Authors: Reshef Tal
David B Seifer
Richard V Grazi
Henry E Malter
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-12-82

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Follicular fluid placental growth factor is increased in polycystic ovarian syndrome: correlation with ovarian stimulation

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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