Androgenic Profile Following Controlled Ovarian Stimulation

ABSTRACT:

The optimal controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) protocol is yet to be decided and most probably there is no right protocol that is optimal for all patients.

The role of luteinizing hormone (LH) administration during controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) is widely debated in the current medical literature.

Until recently the only source for exogenous LH activity was HMG preparations, however, in the past few years an advancement in the field of recombinant technology resulted in recombinant preparations of LH. In contrast to LH activity in HMG which is mainly due to hCG rather than from LH, using r-LH provides true, consistent and precise LH activity.

In the past years few papers were published about the difference between recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (r-FSH) and menotropins but there is still a need for researching the different effects of gonadotropins preparations and in particular the effect of LH administration during COH in the manner of follicular endocrine characteristics, embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes.

In the present study the investigators aim to elucidate whether there is a difference for any of the stimulation preparations - recombinant FSH + recombinant LH (pergoveris \& luveris) vs. human menopausal gonadotropin (menopur) during GnRH-antagonist cycles. The study question is whether using recombinant LH will result in different follicular hormonal milieu, serum endocrine profile or IVF outcomes than using highly purified urinary gonadotropins with hCG mimicking LH activity.

In the relevant medical literature there is one prospective study dealing with the same question, but, during long-GnRH-agonist cycles. In the aforementioned paper there were no significant differences between the two stimulation preparations.

MATERIALS \& METHODS:

Study design - A non-intervention observational trial. Primary endpoint - Serum \& follicular fluid hormonal profile during COH (FSH, LH, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, androstendione, 17-OH progesterone) Secondary endpoints - Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy, # of follicles, # of oocytes, # of embryos, top quality embryos.

Study sample - 100 patients undergoing COH for IVF using the GnRH-antagonist protocol Inclusion criteria - 20-40 years old IVF patients, BMI 19-35 undergoing their 1-4 IVF cycle.

Exclusion criteria - Suspected PCOS, history of OHSS, Patients who had a chronic illness or were receiving chronic medical treatment will be excluded.

Gonadotropin preparations -

1. As HP-HMG we will use Menopur© (menotropins for injection, FERRING) which contains equal amount of FSH \& LH.
2. As the recombinant preparation we will use Pergoveris© (follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa, MERCK SERONO) which contains 150 units of FSH + 75 units of LH and Luveris© (lutropin alfa, MERCK SERONO) which is LH only preparation.

The patients - The study population will consist of all consecutive eligible patients attending the IVF unit of our department for treatment of infertility. The study required no modification of our routine, flexible, multi-dose GnRH antagonist protocol.

Briefly, after the presence of quiescent ovaries on transvaginal ultrasound and low serum E2 level were confirmed on day 2/3 of menstruation, recombinant FSH - Gonal-F© (follitropin alfa; MERCK SERONO) will be administered subcutaneously at a starting dose of 150-300 IU, depending on patient's age and/or ovarian responsiveness in previous cycles. The gonadotropin dosage will be adjusted individually according to serum E2 levels and vaginal ultrasound measurements of follicular diameter, obtained every one or two days. LH will be added to the protocol as urinary preparation Menopur© (menotropins for injection, FERRING) or as recombinant preparations - Pergoveris© (follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa, MERCK SERONO) with or without Luveris© (lutropin alfa, MERCK SERONO). GnRH-antagonist - Cetrotide© (cetrorelix, MERCK SERONO), 0.25 mg daily subcutaneously, will be added when the leading follicle reached 14-16 mm diameter, and will be continued until the day of ovulation triggering. When at least three mature (>17 mm) follicles will be obtained, patients will receive an injection of either Ovitrelle© 250 mcg (Choriogonadotropin alfa, MERCK SERONO) or GnRH-agonist - Decapeptyl© 0.2 mg (Triptorelin acetate, FERRING).

In summary, for the purpose of the study, in addition to the routine monitoring during the COH cycle, blood samples will be drawn to determine the hormonal profile (E2, progesterone), levels of serum androgens, namely, testosterone, androstendione, 17-OH progesterone and LH and FSH: (1) day 1-3 of menstruation (Day-S); (2) day of or prior to hCG administration (Day-hCG); and (3) day of ovum pick-up (Day-OPU).

Moreover, pooled follicular fluid will be collected after oocytes retrieval (fluid destined to be discarded) and will be examined for hormonal profile (FSH, LH, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, androstendione, 17-OH progesterone).

To note - participation in this study WILL NOT change the COH treatment.

Statistics - The chi-squared test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be applied to detect statistically significant differences among the groups with regard to proportions or means. A two-sided P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.