Human follicular fluid proteoglycans in relation to in vitro fertilization

Objective: To determine whether the concentrations of proteoglycans and hyaluronan in human follicular fluid (FF) are associated with follicular volume, oocyte fertilization, and ET during IVF. Design: The FF from individual follicles were collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods for quantification of a larger chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and a smaller composite heparan-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan were established. Hyaluronan and E-2 were measured by RIA techniques. Patient(s): Sixteen infertile women participating in the IVF program. Main Outcome Measure(s): Concentrations of the proteoglycans, follicular volume, fertilization, and ET rates. Result(s): The follicles contained high concentrations of proteoglycans with an average of 0.8 mg/mL of FF, and approximately 70% consisted of the larger chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, and 30% of the heparan-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. A negative correlation was found between the follicular volume, the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (r = -0.43), and hyaluronan (r = -0.56). The percentage of embryos developed in culture was significantly higher in follicles larger than 2 mt. A significant and 35% lower concentration of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan was found in larger follicles from which subsequent ET was observed. The heparan-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and hyaluronan were both unrelated to fertilization and ET in vitro. Conclusion(s): Lower concentrations of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan were associated with higher follicular volumes and greater fertilization and ET rates. These associations could merely reflect the maturation of the follicle or a role of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in the fertilization process. (C) 1997 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.