Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor in Female Infertility

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the possible association of serum and follicular fluids(FF) Vitamin D levels with reproductive outcomes after assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Secondly, to detect Vitamin D Receptors (VDR) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of ovarian follicle and explore its relationship with Vitamin D levels as well as reproductive outcomes. Methodology: This study was conducted on May 2019 in Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 8 infertile female subjects were conveniently recruited. Serum was collected and follicular fluid(FF) was obtained by transvaginal-guided follicular puncture; 34 hours after intramuscular administration of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG). Vitamin D and VDR was assessed in serum as well as in FF by Paired Sample t-test. Results: Females 2 out of 8 acquired clinical pregnancy, whereas 3 had pre-clinical abortion or no pregnancy. Vitamin D and VDR were detected highest in those female patients that acquired pregnancy in comparison to the pre-clinical abortion or non-pregnant ones (p value<0.007). Serum VDR did not show any significant results in all groups Conclusion: Vitamin D in serum and FF and vitamin D receptor in serum and FF were associated with number of oocytes. High levels of VDR in FF observed in clinical pregnancy group proved our hypothesis that the presence of VDR in FF is a contributing factor for successful conception after ART success.

Keywords

• Assisted Reproductive Technique, female infertility, follicular fluid, Vitamin D, Vitamin D receptor