Relationship between anticomplement in seminal plasma and complement in follicular fluid associated with outcome in an in vitro fertilization program.

PURPOSE

The study was conducted to evaluate levels of anticomplement in seminal plasma and levels of complement in follicular fluid, in correlation with fertilization and pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection programs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anticomplement levels were determined in 70 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization therapy. In 15 of these couples, complement levels were measured. Anticomplement and complement levels were also determined in an additional 21 couples (apart from the 70 couples) undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment.

RESULTS

A correlation was found between fertilization rate and anticomplement levels in the seminal plasma (r = 0.4, P < 0.01) after standard in vitro fertilization. No correlation was found in the intracytoplasmic sperm injection group, or observed between complement levels and any parameter examined in both groups. Pregnancy occurred only in those couples with an anticomplement:complement ratio below 0.49.

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of anticomplement and complement levels may contribute to the assessment of a successful outcome of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection.