Cytokine levels in follicular fluid of polycystic ovaries in patients treated with dexamethasone

Objective To assess the levels of cytokines in the follicular fluid of stimulated ovaries. Design The study included two groups of four patients with polycystic ovarian disease. These were diagnosed by clinical and ultrasonic features and characteristic hormonal profiles, treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone-analogue and human menopausal gonadotropin. One group received dexamethasone (DEX). Main Outcome Dexamethasone is capable of directly affecting granulosa and immune cells. It was also expected to affect cytokine production of granulosa and immune cells of the ovary. Results This study demonstrates that FF from patients treated with DEX has reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity and elevated colony-stimulating factor levels. Regardless of the treatment with DEX, the follicles with high levels of TNF contained minimal concentrations of estradiol. Interleukin-6 did not differ between the FF samples. Conclusions These results suggest a role for cytokines in the process of folliculogenesis and ovarian maturation. Modification of cytokines by DEX might explain the beneficial effect of fertility.