Follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, VEGF, AMH, and inhibin-B in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH agonist or GnRH antagonist.

OBJECTIVE

To compare follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, inhibin-B, VEGF, and AMH in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with a long-luteal GnRH agonist protocol or multiple-dose GnRH antagonist protocol.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 80 cycles were included; long-luteal GnRH agonist group (n=40) and multiple dose GnRH antagonist group (n=40). All follicular fluid samples were obtained from mature follicles during oocyte retrieval. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were measured by immunoradiometric assay. IGF-II, VEGF, AMH, and inhibin-B concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the concentrations of the studied follicular fluid markers, cycle parameters, and treatment outcomes between GnRH agonist and GnRH antagonist protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-luteal GnRH agonist protocol and multiple-dose GnRH antagonist protocol seem to have similar effects on the follicular microenvironment in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.