Age dependent assessment of TFPI levels in follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF.

BACKGROUND

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a multivalent Kunitz-type serine proteinase inhibitor which plays a central role in the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. A significant role of TFPI for the follicular development has been discussed in recent studies, and thrombotic complications during IVF procedure are a common problem. To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these problems, we have measured TFPI levels in human follicular fluid (hFF) of women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

METHODS

Total TFPI concentrations were determined in hFF of 28 women undergoing IVF treatment, 6 of whom developed an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate an age-dependance of TFPI concentrations in hFF. Additionally, TFPI levels in hFF of women developing OHSS were determined as 323+/-66.8 ng/mL (mean+/-SD) in comparison with 279+/-137 ng/mL for non-OHSS patients. Our findings demonstrate that, unlike the decreased TFPI levels found in OHSS patients' blood, there is no statistically significant difference in hFF TFPI levels between OHSS and non-OHSS patients. Furthermore, we could show that the outcome of the IVF procedure is not correlated with TFPI levels in hFF.