Assessment of RANTES, MIP4A, MMP7, MMP9, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2 and TIMP 3 concentration in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing fertilization/embryo transfer procedure.

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) degrade extracellular matrix. Some studies show that MMP9 concentration in follicular fluid (FF) may play a role in oocyte maturation and fertilization (IVF) success. The immunology of follicular fluid is still not fully understood.

Aim: Assessment of RANTES, MIP4A, MMP7, MMP9, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2 and TIMP 3 concentration in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing fertilization/embryo transfer procedure.

Material And Methods: This case-control study included 20 randomly selected patients with a positive pregnancy (PPG) test and 20 patients with a negative pregnancy (NPG) test after IVF/ET. In FF obtained during oocyte retrieval, the concentrations of MIP4A, MMP7, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2, TIMP 3, RANTES, IL-12p40, and IL-17A were measured. Their effect on the characteristics of follicles, embryos, and the efficiency of IVF and ET were analysed.

Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between a positive pregnancy test and the results of the immunoassay performed. The number of COC-1 correlates significantly and positively with RANTES ( = 0.34; = 0.038) and IP-10 ( = 0.329; = 0.038). MII correlates significantly and positively with RANTES ( = 0.341, = 0.031). The number of top-quality embryos correlates significantly and positively with IL-17A ( = 0.451, = 0.004) and TIMP 1 ( = 0.44, = 0.005).

Conclusions: The concentration of IL-17A and TIMP 1 may predict IVF/ET success. Further studies are required on the influence of the follicular fluid immunological environment on oocyte maturation and quality and, subsequently, embryo development.