Reduced Circulating Concentration of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor is Associated with Peri- and Post-implantation Failure following In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer

Ilana Ramer, Alexis Kruczek, Georgios Doulaveris, Theofano Orfanelli, Brittney Shulman, Steven S. Witkin, Steven D. Spandorfer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Problem: We evaluated associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4 (NT4) and pregnancy outcome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Method of study: Sera obtained on days 24 and 28 of an IVF cycle from women with a live birth, spontaneous abortion, biochemical pregnancy, not pregnant, or an ectopic pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed for BDNF and NT4 by ELISA. Results: Median BDNF levels were higher in women with a live birth compared to women with an ectopic pregnancy (P < 0.0001), spontaneous abortion (P < 0.0001), or a biochemical pregnancy (P = 0.0004), but not in women who did not become pregnant. NT4 was detected in <25% of sera and did not differ by outcome. There was no association between BDNF level and oocyte or pre-transfer embryo parameters. Conclusion: Decreased circulating BDNF early in an IVF cycle is associated with adverse peri- and/or post-implantation events and subsequent pregnancy failure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)36-41
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Reproductive Immunology
Volume75
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
  • IVF outcome
  • Implantation
  • Neurotrophic factor 4

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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