Predicting ART outcomes: The role of ovarian RAS and VEGF in follicular fluid of dominant follicles

Abstract

As tissue and intracellular RAS have been reported in different organs and systems. there is local RAS in the ovary, called the ovarian renin–angiotensin system (OVRAS). In this study, we investigated the correlation between RAS (total renin, AngII, Ang1–7), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and E2 in dominant follicular fluid and ovarian reserve capacity and patient age. Moreover, we analyzed its predictive value for assisted reproductive technology (ART) related outcomes. We observed that the concentrations of VEGF in the follicular fluid of dominant follicles in the ≥ 38 year old group were markedly higher than those in the < 30 year old group (P < 0.05). Total renin and AngII levels were positively correlated with normal fertilization rate (P < 0.05). Ang1–7 levels were positively correlated with the number of mature oocytes, oocyte maturation rate and number of 2PN fertilized cells (P < 0.05). Expressions of VEGF were negatively correlated with number of 2PN fertilized cells, number of D3 embryos for blastocyst culture, number of blastocysts formed, number of available embryos and number of high-quality embryos (P < 0.05). Thus, the expressions of OVRAS (total renin, AngII, Ang1–7 and VEGF) in dominant follicular fluid are correlated with ART outcomes.