Precision of progesterone measurements with the use of automated immunoassay analyzers and the impact on clinical decisions for in vitro fertilization.

Objective: To compare the precision of progesterone measurements obtained with the use of immunoassays and of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Design: Comparative study.

Setting: Academic, private practice, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) research centers.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor production by luteinized granulosa cells: comparison between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS women.

Context: Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a potent cytokine that promotes angiogenesis and vascular permeability. After controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF), excessive VEGF-A production can occur, particularly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); however, it is unclear whether the regulation of VEGF-A production is different between PCOS and non-PCOS women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences in the dose- and time-dependent effects of insulin and IGFs on VEGF-A production by luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs) from women with and without PCOS.