HDL biology
Higher CETP levels in follicular fluid correlate with more mature oocytes and higher IVF/ICSI fertilization rates (Iran J Reprod Med 2011)
Original title: Correlation between the level of cholesteryl ester transfer protein in follicular fluid with fertilization rates in IVF/ ICSI cycles
In a cross-sectional study of follicular fluid from 100 patients (seventy-nine undergoing IVF, 21 undergoing ICSI), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) levels were measured by enzymatic, turbidometric, and ELISA methods, respectively. The subgroup with the lowest number of mature oocytes had significantly lower follicular-fluid CETP levels (P < 0.05). CETP levels were also 18% lower (P = 0.05) in patients with an oocyte fertilization ratio below 50% compared with those above 70%. While no association was found between CETP and pregnancy, follicular-fluid CETP was positively associated with oocyte maturity and fertilization percentage.
Original abstract
Background: Follicular fluid (FF) plays an important role in oocytes and embryo development, which may contribute to IVF/ICSI success rate.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) level in FF and the success rate of IVF/ICSI.
Materials And Methods: In a cross-sectional study, FF samples, FF samples were obtained from 100 patients referred to Tabriz Alzahra Hospital. Seventy-nine subjects underwent IVF and the remaining 21 underwent ICSI. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A-I and CETP were measured using enzymatic, turbidometric and ELISA methods respectively.
Results: Analysis of the subgroups with different levels of CETP showed a significant lower level of CETP in the subgroup with the lowest number of mature oocytes (p<0.05). The level of CETP was also considerably lower (18%, p=0.05) in subjects with<50% oocytes fertilization ratio than subjects with >70% of this ratio.
Conclusion: While no association was found for pregnancy, the amount of CETP in FF was associated positively to the maturity and the percentage of oocyte fertilization.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.