Embryology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Embryology, including details on stem cells, reproduction, transplants, cloning.

High concentrations of lactoferrin in the follicular fluid correlate with embryo quality during in vitro fertilization cycles.

Yanaihara A, Mitsukawa K, Iwasaki S, Otsuki K, Kawamura T, Okai T

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan. atsushi-y@med.showa-u.ac.jp <atsushi-y@med.showa-u.ac.jp>

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of lactoferrin (LF) in follicular fluid (FF), as well as the correlation between the LF concentration of FF, fertilization rate, and embryo quality. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: In vitro fertilization program at the Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. PATIENT(S): Follicular fluid was obtained from 35 IVF patients, aged 25-34 years. INTERVENTION(S): In total, 70 FF and serum samples were collected at the time of oocyte harvesting (44 of the oocytes were fertilized, and 26 were not). The LF concentration in FF was assayed via ELISA. RESULT(S): The mean LF concentration in FF of the fertilized group (500.2 +/- 35.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that in the unfertilized group (379.7 +/- 45.1 ng/mL). A positive correlation between follicular size and LF concentration was not found (r = 0.214). However, a high LF concentration in FF was indicative of good embryo quality. CONCLUSION(S): High LF concentrations in FF correlate with both a high fertilization rate and good embryo quality.

Published 5 February 2007 in Fertil Steril, 87(2): 279-82.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Embryology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.