Nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in follicular fluid of infertile patients undergoing to in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of NGF in follicular fluid and serum samples, and to correlate them with some characteristics of the patients (age) and of the IVF protocol (E2 levels, number of collected oocytes, used FSHr IU) to investigate its rule in the folliculogenesis. Methods: This study examined a sample of 78 women undergoing to FIVET/ICSI cycles since October 2011 to March 2013. NGF levels were determinated in follicular fluid (FF) and serum sample using enzyme immunoassay ELISA kit for NGF. Results: The NGF level was significantly higher in FF (213.76pg/ml) than in basal serum (46.47pg/ml (p<0.001) and in serum sample of the pick-up day (60.75pg/ml (p<0.001). In FF, the levels of NGF were positively correlated to age of women (corr.coeff. r=0.44) and units of FSHr used during stimulation protocol (corr.coeff r=0.34). Discussion: Our results demonstrate that the FF levels are higher than the blood; so there is a local production of NGF in the ovarian follicle, important for the follicle's growth and oocyte quality. We could also say that the increase of NGF levels is correlated to a lower ovary response, that is obviously less in the older women. © 2013 Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.