Follicular fluid levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 and leptin in women with fertility disorders

Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2018 Jun;64(3):220-223. doi: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1450906. Epub 2018 Mar 29.

Abstract

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and leptin are produced in the granulosa cells of follicles and play an important role in the growth and maturation of follicles. The aim of our study was to monitor AMH, IGF1 and leptin levels in a group of healthy women and compare them to a group of women with fertility disorders. The second aim was the evaluation of biomarker levels in relation to the identified cause of infertility. Totally, 146 females were enrolled into our study. Seventy-two healthy controls and seventy-four females with fertility disorders were divided into four subgroups: anovulation, endometriosis, fallopian tube damage, unknown reason. IGF1 was the only biomarker with significantly lower levels throughout the entire group with fertility disorders. We did not identify any statistically significant differences for AMH and leptin. Regarding subgroups, significant differences were only observed in the group of anovulatory women. AMH and leptin showed higher levels while IGF1 showed lower levels. In conclusion, levels of AMH, IGF1 and leptin found in follicular fluid are sensitive markers for anovulatory fertility disorders. AMH, IGF1 and leptin levels in follicular fluid have no relation to the fertility disorders caused by endometriosis, fallopian tube damage or disorders with unknown etiology.

Abbreviations: AMH: anti-Müllerian hormone; IGF1: insulin-like growth factor 1; PCOS: polycystic ovary syndrome.

Keywords: Follicular fluid; anti-Müllerian hormone; fertility disorders; insulin-like growth factor 1; leptin.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anovulation / metabolism*
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Follicular Fluid / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / metabolism*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Leptin / metabolism*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • IGF1 protein, human
  • Leptin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone