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Brain derived neurotrophic factor circulating levels in patients undergoing IVF

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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to measure circulating BDNF levels, a neurotrophin recently identified in the ovary, in parallel with estradiol, to verify if assessing this factor could add any predictive value to the outcome of in vitro fertilization.

Methods

Blood sampling for BDNF and estradiol was performed in 23 subjects undergoing IVF on day 1 (D1), day 8 (D8), day of HCG administration (DHCG) and day of oocyte retrieval.(DOR).

Results

There was a positive correlation between BDNF and estradiol throughout the stimulation cycle in all subjects. In both pregnant and nonpregnant patients, the values of BDNF grew significantly only between D8 and DHCG and remained constant until DOR. Between-group comparisons showed no statistically significant differences in both BDNF and estradiol values throughout the IVF cycle.

Conclusion

Although BDNF plasma concentrations are not seemingly predictive of IVF outcome, this neurotrophin is highly correlated to estradiol levels and seems to be an important factor especially in the periovulatory period.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy

    P. Monteleone, P. G. Artini, G. Simi, V. Cela, E. Casarosa, S. Begliuomini, F. Ninni, N. Pluchino, M. Luisi & A. R. Genazzani

Authors
  1. P. Monteleone
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  2. P. G. Artini
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  3. G. Simi
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  4. V. Cela
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  5. E. Casarosa
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  6. S. Begliuomini
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  7. F. Ninni
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  8. N. Pluchino
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  9. M. Luisi
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  10. A. R. Genazzani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. Monteleone.

Additional information

Capsule

BDNF plasma concentrations are not predictive of IVF outcome, however they are highly correlated to estradiol levels and seem to be implicated in periovulatory processes.

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Monteleone, P., Artini, P.G., Simi, G. et al. Brain derived neurotrophic factor circulating levels in patients undergoing IVF. J Assist Reprod Genet 24, 477–480 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-007-9169-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-007-9169-y

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