Loading…
Soluble HLA-G molecules in follicular fluid: A tool for oocyte selection in IVF?
Abstract Currently, different approaches are used to select oocytes for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, but they do not assure a significant association with the pregnancy outcome. Since several studies have proposed the expression of HLA-G antigens in early embryos to be a possible marker...
Saved in:
Published in: | Journal of reproductive immunology 2007-06, Vol.74 (1), p.133-142 |
---|---|
Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
Summary: | Abstract Currently, different approaches are used to select oocytes for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, but they do not assure a significant association with the pregnancy outcome. Since several studies have proposed the expression of HLA-G antigens in early embryos to be a possible marker of elevated implantation rate, we have investigated the presence of soluble HLA-G molecules in 50 follicular fluids (FFs). The results have shown soluble HLA-G antigens (sHLA-G) in 19/50 (38%) FFs. Furthermore, we have related the presence of sHLA-G molecules in FFs to detection of the soluble antigens in culture supernatants of the corresponding fertilized oocyte, evidencing a significant relationship ( p = 1.3 × 10−6 ; Fisher exact p -test). Specific ELISA and Western blot approaches identified both HLA-G5 and soluble HLA-G1 molecules in FFs while immunocytochemical analysis indicated polymorphonuclear-like and granulosa cells as responsible for production of sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5 molecules. In contrast, only sHLA-G1 antigens were detected in culture supernatants of fertilized oocytes. Overall, these results suggest a role for sHLA-G molecules in the ovulatory process and propose the FFs analysis for sHLA-G molecule presence as a useful tool for oocyte selection in IVF. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 0165-0378 1872-7603 |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.jri.2007.02.005 |