The measurements of RAGE, VEGF, and AGEs in the plasma and follicular fluid of reproductive women: the influence of aging

Objective: To examine the advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the soluble isoform of the receptor for AGEs (sRAGE), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in plasma and follicular fluid (FF) from reproductive-age women. Design: Clinical preliminary study based on the regulations of the ethical committee at National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD). Setting: Women's health clinical office at NCCHD and Aska clinic. Patient(s): Reproductive-age women, young group (<35 yrs) and old group (>= 35 yrs), who agreed to let us use plasma or FF samples for the measurements of AGEs, sRAGE, and VEGF. Main Outcome Measure(s): Measurements of AGEs, sRAGE, and VEGF in plasma and FF by ELISA to examine the difference by aging and reproductive dysfunction. Result(s): The plasma concentration of sRAGE was significantly higher in the young group; VEGF in FF was significantly higher in the old group. sRAGE in FF showed a tendency of positive correlation with the number of oocytes. The plasma sRAGE concentration was significantly correlated positively with FF sRAGE and inversely with FF VEGF at the time of egg collection. Conclusion(s): The measurement results suggest a possibility that RAGE-VEGF regulation may be related to reproductive dysfunction in aging women, and that plasma sRAGE might be a biologic marker of reproductive condition. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:694-700. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)