Platelet-activating factor-acetylhydrolase activity in follicular fluid of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) metabolism in the periovulatory processes.

DESIGN

The PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in the follicular fluid (FF) obtained in conjunction with IVF-ET procedure was assayed and its activity was related to oocyte maturation. The PAF-acetylhydrolase activity also was related to the concentration of various ovarian hormones.

SETTING

All patients were managed and treated at Oita Medical University Hospital, Oita, Japan.

PATIENTS

The study concerned 30 women between 28 and 36 years of age with tubal infertility.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The activity of PAF-acetylhydrolase in FF was assayed as well as E2 and P. Oocyte maturation also was evaluated.

RESULTS

Platelet-activating factor-acetylhydrolase activity was decreased significantly in the FFs of patients with a successful outcome of their pregnancies compared with the nonsuccessful group. Estradiol levels were negatively correlated with PAF-acetylhydrolase activities in the FFs. No correlation was found between the PAF-acetylhydrolase activity and P concentration in the FF. Significantly more mature and less immature oocytes were recovered in the group who subsequently became pregnant compared with the nonpregnant group.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that the decrease in PAF-acetylhydrolase activity may result in an increase of PAF in the FFs, which in turn may contribute to a successful pregnancy. The determination of PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in FF may serve as a prognostic marker for the evaluation of oocytes that are utilized in IVF-ET procedure.