The utility of serum leptin and follicular fluid leptin, estradiol, and progesterone levels during an in vitro fertilization cycle

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate serum and follicular fluid leptin, estradiol, and progesterone levels during in vitro fertilization. METHODS: Prospective observational study measuring serum levels at six points during the IVF cycle and follicular fluid at the time of retrieval. RESULTS: Serum leptin and estradiol levels both significantly increased for the individual patients during the IVF stimulation process. None of the leptin levels differed based on pregnancy outcome. BMI significantly correlated with all leptin levels. Follicular fluid estradiol correlated with serum estradiol only in pregnant patients (r = 0.97, p<0.01) and was unrelated in non-pregnant patients (r=-0.15, p=0.81). CONCLUSION: Serum and follicular leptin levels are highly correlated. Leptin levels increase during the IVF cycle and vary between patients based on maternal BMI, but do not correlate with other serum hormone levels or pregnancy outcome. Pregnancy outcome success was reflected in the relationship between follicular fluid and serum levels of estradiol, independent of leptin levels.