Sphingosine-1-phosphate restores endothelial barrier integrity in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

StUDY QUESTION Are follicular fluid (FF) sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels in patients at risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) altered and in part responsible for the high vascular permeability observed in these patients. STUDY ANSWER FF S1P levels are lower in FF from patients at risk of OHSS and treatment with S1P may reduce vascular permeability in these patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Although advances have been made in the diagnosis, and management of OHSS and in basic knowledge of its development, complete prevention has proven difficult. StUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 40 FF aspirates were collected from patients undergoing ART. The women (aged 25–39 years old) were classified into a control group (n = 20) or a group at risk of OHSS (n = 20). The EA.hy926 endothelial cell line was used to assess the efffects of FF from patients at risk of OHSS with or without the addition of S1P. An animal model that develops OHSS in immature Sprague-Dawley rats were also used. PaRTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Migration assays, confocal microscopy analysis of actin filaments, immunoblotting and quail chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays of in-vivo angiogenesis were performed and statistical comparisons between groups were made. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The S1P concentration was significantly lower in FF from patients at risk of OHSS (P = 0.03). The addition of S1P to this FF decreased cell migration (P...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Tags: Original research Source Type: research