The presence of cytokines and growth factors in hydrosalpingeal fluid

Purpose: To examine the presence of cytokines and growth factors in hydrosalpingeal fluid. Methods: Eighteen hydrosalpingeal fluids were compared with 15 follicular fluids and serum samples regarding the presence of interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-12, IL-1alpha, epidermal growth factor (EGF), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), and transforming growth factor-beta(2) (TGFbeta(2)). Results: IL-8 and EGF were detected in all the hydrosalpinx samples. IL-8, IL-12, IL-1alpha, TNFalpha, TGFbeta(2), GM-CSF, and LIF were detected to a significantly larger extent in hydrosalpingeal than follicular fluids (p<0.01). The same cytokines, with the exception of IL-8, TGFβ(2), and LIF, were also more frequently present in comparison with serum. Conclusion: The abundant presence of cytokines in hydrosalpingeal fluid suggests an increased expression from the tubal epithelium. Whether high concentrations have a negative influence on embryo development and implantation needs further investigation.