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.