Serum VEGF as a marker of endometrial receptivity in infertile women

Purpose Female infertility is multifactorial in origin and may be a reflection of suboptimal endometrial receptivity. Vascularity is an essential pre‐requisite for continuation of pregnancy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and capillary permeability. We assessed the effect of serum VEGF levels on grades of endometrial receptivity. Methods 60 infertile women ages 20–40 years, were enrolled in the study after local IRB approval. Time of ovulation was determined by TVS Doppler ultrasonography just prior to premenstrual biopsy for endometrial characterization and sub‐endometrial blood flow. Grading of endometrial receptivity was based on histopathological findings during mid‐luteal phase. The serum VEGF levels were estimated by ELISA. Results Serum VEGF levels increased with grades of endometrial receptivity: 38.48±10.60 pg/ml in Grade I, 86.75±17.25 pg/ml in Grade II, and 215.08±25.60 pg/ml in Grade III. The difference of mean serum VEGF level between grades of endometrial receptivity was highly significant p=0.001. Conclusions Serum VEGF level of 87 pg/ml predicted adequate endometrial receptivity with a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 87.8%.