Relationship between tumour necrosis factor alpha and sex steroid concentrations in the follicular fluid of women with immunological infertility

Experimental evidence suggests a tight relationship between cytokines and the reproductive system. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), a cytokine produced by activated macrophages and mesenchymal cells, seems to participate in the control of fertility. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the concentrations of TNFα in the follicular fluid of female patients with immunological infertility, as well as the possible role of this cytokine in follicular development. Concentrations of TNFα, 17β-oestradiol, progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone were measured in the follicular fluid of patients with immunological infertility and patients with a tubal factor of infertility, who served as a control group. Patients with immunological infertility had significantly higher concentrations of TNFα in their follicular fluid compared to the control group. In contrast, oestradiol concentrations were significantly lower in the former group. The intrafollicular concentrations of the other steroids measured did not differ significantly between the two groups. The fertilization rate of ova from follicles included in the study was significantly lower in patients with immunological infertility compared to control subjects (19.1 and 57.1% respectively). In conclusion, this study shows that patients with infertility of immunological origin have increased follicular fluid concentrations of TNFα and lower oestradiol concentrations. We speculate that elevated TNFα concentrations in the human follicle may negatively influence both ovulation- and fertilization-related events