Blood TNF-α and GABRA-1 levels in individuals with poor ovarian response underwent in vitro fertilization program

Authors

Gadsara Ruangprachum, Chulalongkorn UniversityFollow
Paweena Thuwanut, Chulalongkorn UniversityFollow
Wisan Sereepapong, Chulalongkorn UniversityFollow
Vorasuk Shotelersuk, Chulalongkorn UnivsersityFollow
Siraprapa Tongkobpetch, Chulalongkorn UniversityFollow
Porntip Sirayapiwat, Chulalongkorn UniversityFollow

Abstract

Background: Poor ovarian response (POR) to ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) program remains a critical issue contributing to decreased ovarian reserve and cancellation of IVF cycles. Nevertheless, the complete etiology of PRO condition remains inadequately understood.

Objectives: This research primarily aimed to compare levels of blood pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) and apoptotic marker (GABRA-1) between those exhibiting normal ovarian response (NOR) and those with poor ovarian response during IVF program.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving whole blood collection from 25 participants was conducted (15 individuals in NOR group and 10 in POR group). Relative gene expression levels of blood pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) and apoptotic marker (GABRA-1) were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Our major findings indicated that relative gene expression levels of TNF-α were markedly elevated in POR group compared to NOR group (POR = 6.1 ± 1.8 and NOR = 3.1 ± 1.2, P < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between relative gene expression levels of TNF-α and various factors including ovarian reserve (anti-müllerian hormone), antral follicle count, and total number of retrieved oocytes. In contrast, relative gene expression levels of GABRA-1 did not demonstrate any significant differences between participant groups.

Conclusion: Elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) might be regarded as a crucial factor contributing to POR pathogenesis including diminished ovarian reserve and low quantity of retrieved oocytes after ovarian stimulation and IVF programs.

DOI

10.56808/2673-060X.5550

First Page

Original Research Article : Short Communication

Recommended Citation

Ruangprachum, Gadsara; Thuwanut, Paweena; Sereepapong, Wisan; Shotelersuk, Vorasuk; Tongkobpetch, Siraprapa; and Sirayapiwat, Porntip (2025) "Blood TNF-α and GABRA-1 levels in individuals with poor ovarian response underwent in vitro fertilization program," Chulalongkorn Medical Journal: Vol. 69: Iss. 2, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2673-060X.5550
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/clmjournal/vol69/iss2/5