Involvement of interleukin-1 and the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in in vitro embryo development among women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

Purpose: To examine the roles of Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), in in vitro embryo development and subsequent pregnancy outcome.

Methods: Maternal serum utilized to supplement embryo growth in IVF cycles was analyzed for the presence of IL-1 cytokines.

Results: The maternal serum that was utilized to supplement the embryo media was found to have measurable amounts of IL-1beta and IL-1ra.

Conclusions: Relative antagonism of the IL-1 system was positively associated with embryo development and pregnancy outcome.