Effect of ovaric hyper-stimulation on blood lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokines, leptin and nitrite among patients with unexplained infertility

PROBLEM: To determine the effect of ovarian stimulation on TH1, TH2 and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes, plasma cytokines, leptin and nitrite levels. METHODS: Women with reproductive failure were studied during the implantation window, at baseline (n = 18) and under ovarian stimulation (gonadotropins + progesterone, n = 6). Controls: eight fertile women. Lymphocyte subpopulations and NK function were determined by flow cytometry. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, IFN-7, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1 and leptin were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA); nitrite by the Griess reaction. RESULTS: At baseline, patients had higher values of NK effectors, NK activity and plasma IFN-gamma and IL-2 than controls. Conversely, TGF-beta1 values were lower. Hormones induced leukocytosis. Under stimulation, TH1 CD4(+) cells, NK effectors and function and plasma IFN-gamma and IL-2 decreased, while transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 increased. Other variables did not change. CONCLUSION: The abnormal distribution of leukocytes, high TH1 cytokines and a low TGF-beta1 associated with reproductive failure, respond to ovarian stimulation, achieving total or partial normalization.