TNF-alpha and IL-10 Levels in Iraqi PCOS and Non-PCOS Patients Undergoing ICSI: An Immunological Perspective

Abstract

Background: Essential cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) play a critical role in immune regulation, particularly in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: To compare TNF-α and IL-10 levels in patients with and without PCOS undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and their effects on ICSI. outcome Methods: This study involved a cohort of 125 patients undergoing ICSI, divided into two groups: those identified with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria (n=65) and those without PCOS (n=60). The ELIZA method was used to measure the levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in the blood in order to see if they were related to PCOS and to look into a possible connection between these cytokines and the outcome of the ICSI. Results: Significant differences were found in the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-10 between the two groups, suggesting a distinct immunological profile in PCOS patients undergoing fertility treatment. There is no significant correlation between these cytokines and the total number of retrieved oocytes, oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, or pregnancy rate. Conclusions: The study revealed notable differences in serum TNF-α and IL-10 levels between PCOS and non-PCOS groups, suggesting a unique immunological profile in PCOS patients undergoing fertility treatments. Both cytokines did not significantly correlate with the total number of retrieved oocytes, oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, or pregnancy rate. Other factors might be more influential in determining crucial fertility outcomes.