Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship of nerve growth factor (NGF) between serum and follicular fluid in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and its effect on pregnancy outcomes. Methods From December 2011 to November 2012, 65 PCOS patients suffered with in vitro fertilization - embryo transfer (IVF - ET) were included in PCOS group and 31 non-PCOS patients with IVF - ET were used as control group. The expressions of NGF in serum and follicular fluid were detected by ELISA on the injection day of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The expression levels of NGF in serum and follicular fluid were compared between PCOS group and control group. Results The NGF levels in serum[(14.38±0.42) ng/L] and follicular fluid[(9.61±0.49)ng/L] were significantly higher in PCOS group than those of control group[(11.39±0.38) ng/L and (7.55±0.40)ng/L]. In PCOS group, NGF levels in serum [(14.22±0.35)ng/L] and follicular fluid [(9.30±0.31)ng/L] were significantly lower in pregnant group than those of non-pregnant group[(14.51±0.43)ng/L, (9.86±0.46)ng/L, P＜0.01]. Conclusion The increased levels of NGF in serum and follicular fluid of PCOS patients contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. The high expression of NGF in serum and follicular fluid may be harmful to pregnancy in PCOS patients.

Key words: polycystic ovary syndrome, nerve growth factor, serum, follicular fluid