VITAMIN D3 AND CYTOKINE PROFILES AS PREDICTIVE MARKERS OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION SUCCESS

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a growing global concern, affecting nearly 15% of reproductive-aged couples, with a particularly high burden in South Asia. Despite advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates remain suboptimal.

Objective: To evaluate the association between serum levels of Vitamin D3, interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IVF outcomes in women undergoing fertility treatment.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and August 2022 and included 80 women aged 30–40 years, recruited via non-probability convenience sampling from the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, Lahore, and screened at The University of Lahore. Participants had a history of either primary or secondary infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Blood samples were collected during IVF treatment and analyzed for Vitamin D3, IL-6, LIF, and TNF-α using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26, with non-parametric tests applied due to non-normal distribution.

Results: Out of 80 participants, 40 (50%) achieved a positive pregnancy outcome. Mean Vitamin D3 levels were significantly higher in women who conceived (32.75 ± 9.81 ng/mL) compared to those who did not (21.40 ± 7.45 ng/mL, p = 0.009). Similarly, TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the positive outcome group (384.72 ± 349.18 pg/mL) compared to the negative group (153.90 ± 74.13 pg/mL, p = 0.038). Although IL-6 and LIF levels were slightly higher in the positive outcome group, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Sufficient Vitamin D3 and regulated TNF-α levels appear to predict IVF success, while IL-6 and LIF show limited standalone predictive value, supporting the role of immune-hormonal biomarkers in personalized fertility care.