Effects of in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapies on metabolic, endocrine and inflammatory status in IVF-conceived pregnancy.

RATIONALE: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common treatment for infertility. In mice, IVF is associated with development of glucose intolerance. However, human data are limited regarding the metabolic, endocrine and inflammatory effects of IVF therapy in IVF-conceived pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE

To explore effects of IVF therapies on metabolic, endocrine and inflammatory parameters in IVF-conceived pregnancy.

METHODOLOGY: Twelve-week prospective observational study of adult normoglycaemic women, BMI 18.5-38 kg/m2 and ≤ 39 years awaiting IVF therapy. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks, and serum analysed for reproductive hormones, glucose, lipids, insulin sensitivity, thyroid status, adiponectin inflammatory marker and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP).

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy-five women were analysed: 158 IVF-conceived pregnant women and 117 with failed IVF. Compared with baseline, nonpregnant women had significant (P < .001) increases in 12-week glucose (86.04-87.62 mg/dL), insulin (8.72-9.37 µIU/mL), HOMA-IR (1.9-2.1), T-Chol (169.5-174.9 mg/dL), TG (71.0-83.7 mg/dL) and HDL-C (52.0-54.11 mg/dL) levels. At 12 weeks, pregnant women also had (P < .001) increases in T-Chol (177.5-199.5 mg/dL), TG (73.5-126.78 mg/dL) and HDL-C (55.3-65.1 mg/dL), while a significant reduction in glucose (86.15-82.19 mg/dL), HbA1c (5.3-5.08%) and TSH (1.71-1.36 µIU/mL) levels from baseline. Adiponectin and LBP levels remained the same in either group.

CONCLUSION

In vitro fertilization hormonal therapy impairs glucose and insulin levels; these effects are masked in early pregnancy. Changes in lipid profile occur following IVF therapies regardless of pregnancy outcome. Neither adiponectin nor LBP is affected by IVF therapies and during early IVF-conceived pregnancy.