Blood TNF-α and GABRA-1 levels in individuals with poor ovarian response who underwent in vitro fertilization

Gadsara  Ruangprachum; Paweena  Thuwanut; Wisan  Sereepapong; Vorasuk  Shotelersuk; Siraprapa  Tongkobpetch; Porntip  Sirayapiwat

Authors

Gadsara Ruangprachum Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Paweena Thuwanut Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Wisan Sereepapong Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Vorasuk Shotelersuk King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand and Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Siraprapa Tongkobpetch King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand and Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Porntip Sirayapiwat Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Keywords:

Apoptosis, in vitro fertilization, ovarian response, pro-inflammatory cytokine

Abstract

Background: Poor ovarian response (POR) to ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures is a critical issue that contributes to decreased ovarian reserves and cancelation of IVF cycles. Nevertheless, the complete etiology of this condition remains poorly understood.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the levels of a blood pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) and apoptotic marker (GABRA-1) between patients exhibiting normal ovarian response (NOR) and those with POR during the process of IVF.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved the collection of whole blood from 25 participants (NOR group n = 15, POR group n = 10). The relative gene expression levels of TNF-α and GABRA-1 were assessed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Our findings indicated that the relative gene expression levels of TNF-α were markedly elevated in the POR group compared with the NOR group (POR = 6.1 ± 1.8 vs. NOR = 3.1 ± 1.2, P < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the relative gene expression levels of TNF-α and various factors, including ovarian reserve (anti-Müllerian hormone), antral follicle count, and the total number of retrieved oocytes. In contrast, the relative gene expression levels of GABRA-1 did not exhibit any significant differences between the participant groups.

Conclusion: Elevated levels of TNF-α may be a crucial factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of POR, including diminished ovarian reserve and low quantity of retrieved oocytes, after ovarian stimulation and IVF programs.

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