Association of Follicular IGF-۱ and VEGF Levels with Ovarian Response, Oocyte Characteristics, and Embryo Quality in Women Undergoing ICSI

Background & Objective: The follicular microenvironment plays an important role in ovarian response and oocyte competence during Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Growth-related biomarkers such as Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) are involved in cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and endocrine regulation within the ovary. The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the association of IGF and VEGF levels in serum and follicular fluid with ovarian response, hormonal profiles, and oocyte and embryo characteristics in women undergoing ICSI. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on ۱۲۰ infertile women undergoing ICSI, categorized into poor, normal, and hyper responders. Serum and follicular fluid levels of IGF and VEGF were measured at Oocyte Retrieval Day (ORD) and Embryo Transfer Day (ETD). Hormonal parameters, oocyte characteristics, and embryo quality were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric methods, and correlations were evaluated using Spearman’s test. P<۰.۰۵ was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant differences were observed across ovarian response groups in IGF and VEGF levels (P<۰.۰۰۱), with the highest levels detected in hyper responders. Both IGF and VEGF demonstrated strong positive correlations with key reproductive hormones, including Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), estradiol, and luteinizing hormone (P<۰.۰۵). Additionally, significant positive associations were found with total oocyte count, Mature (MII) oocytes, and fertilization outcomes. VEGF and IGF also showed significant relationships with embryo quality, particularly grade ۱ embryos. Conclusion: IGF and VEGF showed strong associations with ovarian response, hormonal function, and oocyte development in women undergoing ICSI, suggesting their potential value as biomarkers of the follicular microenvironment. However, additional prospective studies are needed to better define their clinical role in predicting reproductive outcomes.

کلیدواژه ها:

IGF-۱ ، VEGF ، Ovarian Response ، ICSI