Cycle dependency of intrauterine vascular endothelial growth factor levels is correlated with decidualization and corpus luteum function

Peter B. Licht, Vassili Russu, Silke Lehmeyer, Tanja Wissentheit, E. Siebzehnrübl, L. Wildt
In: Fertility and Sterility · 2003 · vol. 80(5) , pp. 1228–1233 · doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(03)02165-4 · PMID:14607580 · W2112588483
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This study investigated how intrauterine vascular endothelial growth factor levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and found these changes correlate with decidualization and corpus luteum function.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine intrauterine levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A during the menstrual cycle in the human female and to investigate the impact of decidualization and corpus luteum function.DesignProspective clinical study.SettingTertiary university center.Patient(s)Fifty-four women with infertility problems.Intervention(s)Intrauterine concentrations of VEGF-A were determined at various time points during the secretory phase using a novel intrauterine microdialysis device. Concomitantly, intrauterine insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-1 levels served as a paracrine parameter for decidualization. Serum progesterone (P) and E(2) levels were determined as markers for corpus luteum function. Intrauterine VEGF levels.Result(s)The VEGF levels in utero were clearly cycle dependent with increasing levels during the late secretory and premenstrual phases. There was a significant correlation with the decidualization marker IGFBP-1. In contrast, intrauterine VEGF levels showed a significant negative correlation with serum E(2) and P.Conclusion(s)Intrauterine VEGF levels are regulated in a cycle-dependent way. Increasing levels in the late secretory phase are clearly correlated with decidualization. In contrast, decreasing serum levels of steroids produced by the regressing corpus luteum are less likely to be responsible for increasing VEGF levels in the premenstrual phase.

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