Are early follicular phase serum progranulin levels predictive of the response to ovarian stimulation in IVF cycles?

We sought to investigate the value of progranulin (PGRN) in predicting the response of the ovary to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles. Eighty eight women were recruited to one of three groups: poor-responders (group I), hyper-responders (group II), and normo-responders (group III). Data recorded for each woman included demographics, cycle characteristics, laboratory biomarkers, and IVF outcomes. Baseline PGRN levels were measured in venous sera. The distribution of the patients among the groups was as follows: 26 patients comprised group I, 35 patients group II, and 27 patients group III. The groups were matched in terms of body mass index. The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 38.6%. There was no significant difference between the groups in pregnancy rates. A PGRN level less than or equal to 3.2 ng/mL was associated with poor ovarian response independent of ovarian reserve markers. It is concluded that PGRN and other ovarian reserve markers are unable to predict pregnancy. However, poor ovarian response to COH could be predicted from basal serum PGRN concentration.