Serum Biopterin and Neopterin Levels as Predictors of Empty Follicles

• Published in: Japanese Clinical Medicine 2015-01, Vol.2015 (6), p.29-34
• Main Authors: Hamuro, Akihiro, Tachibana, Daisuke, Misugi, Takuya, Katayama, Hiroko, Ozaki, Koji, Fujino, Yuji, Yoshihiro, Nakamura, Shintaku, Haruo, Koyama, Masayasu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arginine; Fertilization in vitro; Gamete intrafallopian transfer; Nitric oxide; Original Research; Vascular endothelial growth factor
• ISSN: 1179-6707; 1179-6707; 1179-0660
• DOI: 10.4137/JCM.S32018

Objective This study measured serum and follicular fluid (FF) levels of biopterin, neopterin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in patients receiving mild ovarian stimulation for oocyte retrieval. Patients and Methods Infertile patients who underwent ovarian stimulation were divided into the following: Group 1, no oocyte retrieval (n = 12), and Group 2, retrieval of more than four oocytes (n = 13). Median total gonadotropin dose in both groups was 150 IU. Biopterin and neopterin levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. VEGF and M-CSF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Compared to Group 2, serum and FF levels of neopterin and VEGF and serum levels of M-CSF were significantly increased, and serum and FF levels of biopterin were significantly decreased in Group 1 (P < 0.05 each). Conclusion Biopterin and neopterin levels showed similar differences in FF and serum of patients with empty follicles. Decreased biopterin and increased neopterin in serum could predict poor oocyte retrieval.