Relationship between follicular fluid levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 and sex steroids from normal human ovarian follicles

The aim of this study was to examine the possible correlations between follicular fluid insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) and follicular fluid and serum parameters of granulosa cell function. Twenty-six subjects undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility had follicular fluid samples collected. Subjects were aged 20-42 years, were having regular ovulatory cycles and either had tubal disease or a partner with male factor infertility. Sex steroids, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGFBP-1 were measured by radioimmunoassay. Follicular fluid levels of IGFBP-1 were significantly correlated with levels of estradiol, progesterone in follicular fluid and with serum IGFBP-1 levels, and negatively correlated with follicular fluid androstenedione levels. These results suggests that IGFBP-1 may have a role in the regulation of human ovarian follicles.