The Association between changes in C-reactive protein and pregnancy rate in IVF/ICSI.

Abstract

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein, produced by the liver. Its levels rise dramatically in the presence of infection or trauma. Small increases in serum CRP levels are believed to indicate low-grade inflammation. The Concentration of CRP, with a molecular weight of 110, 000-120, 000 KD, increases 1000 times after invasion and tissue damage. It activates complement and can attach to activated lymphocytes, invasive organisms, and damaged tissues. CRP can act as a nonspecific opsonin to increase phagocytosis, removing cells and damaged, dead or dying organisms, reinforce innate immunity, and protection against tissue injury. Therefore, CRP by increasing the renovation speed, results in healing of damaged tissues. As ovulation is considered to be an inflammatory process, the association between CRP levels and assisted reproductive technique (ART) cycles has been investigated by several studies. Controlled hyperstimulation of the ovary and especially puncture of the ovaries in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles is probably associated with changes in CRP concentrations. these changes may affect the success rate of IVF/ICSI, implantation, and pregnancy, also administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) regardless of the response rate of the ovaries, causes activation of endothelial cells and neutrophils. A prospective cohort study that was conducted in Ain