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. 2018 Jul;298(1):217-222.
doi: 10.1007/s00404-018-4793-6. Epub 2018 May 28.

Beta endorphin in serum and follicular fluid of PCOS- and non-PCOS women

Nikolai Jaschke  1 , Fabian Lunger  1 , Ludwig Wildt  1 , Beata Seeber  2
Affiliations

Beta endorphin in serum and follicular fluid of PCOS- and non-PCOS women

Nikolai Jaschke et al. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2018 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the concentrations of beta endorphin in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of PCOS- and non-PCOS women. Secondarily, to investigate associations between beta endorphin and other parameters.

Methods: Fifty-nine women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) were included in the study. Sixteen were stratified to the PCOS group using the Rotterdam criteria. The remaining 43 women served as controls. Follicular fluid was collected during oocyte retrieval and peripheral blood sampling was performed on the same day. Beta endorphin concentrations in serum and follicular fluid, serum levels of insulin, glucose, LH, estradiol and progesterone were measured. Additionally, testosterone was measured before starting the stimulation protocol.

Results: There was no difference in beta endorphin levels between PCOS- and non-PCOS women. The concentration of the peptide was higher in serum than in FF, likely due to collection of FF after ovulation induction and corresponding to the early luteal phase. We found a significant correlation between the number of mature Metaphase II (MII) oocytes retrieved and beta endorphin concentration in FF. In women with biochemical hyperandrogenemia, beta endorphin levels in FF correlated with testosterone levels.

Conclusion: Beta Endorphin concentrations in serum and FF do not differ between PCOS- and non PCOS-women undergoing IVF. However, together with sex hormones, beta endorphin might play a key role in oocyte maturation.

Keywords: Beta endorphin; Granulosa cells; Opioids; PCOS.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Regression analysis: r2 = 0.228, p = 0.003
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Regression analysis in women with biochemical hyperandrogenemia. Dependent variable: beta endorphin in FF, independent variable: testosterone
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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