The role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the culture media in embryo implantation rate in normogonadotrophic cases undergoing ICSI

ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to correlate the changes in the biochemical marker MMP-2 in the culture media with the outcome of normogonadotrophic cases undergoing ICSI.MethodologyA prospective study of infertile females was conducted in El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital between October 2011 and May 2012 utilizing a sample of 40 normogonadotrophic infertile women (22 females with unexplained infertility and 18 females with tubal factor infertility).ResultsClinical pregnancy was 57.5%; 15 out of the 22 females with unexplained infertility and 8 out of the 18 females with tubal factor infertility. There was no abortion, ectopic or chemical pregnancy. Ongoing pregnancy after 14 weeks of gestational age was 100%.Total (MMP-2) ranged between (4.1 and 21.1) and (3.5–37) ng/ml with the mean of (9.91 ± 5.48) and (13.91 ± 8.87) ng/ml for non pregnant and pregnant groups respectively. There were no statistical significant differences between the two groups regarding total MMP-2 (P = 0.055).The mean of MMP-2/embryo/h ranged between (0.05 ± 0.05) and (0.06 ± 0.08) ng/ml/embryo/h for non pregnant and pregnant groups respectively. There were no statistical significant differences between the two groups regarding MMP-2/embryo/h (P = 0.234).ConclusionsMMP-2 concentration in the culture media cannot be used as a biochemical marker for embryo selection or prediction of implantation in the normogonadotrophic cases undergoing ICSI.RecommendationsResults of the present study suggest searching for other markers in the culture media for better embryo selection and for prediction of implantation in the normogonadotrophic cases undergoing ICSI.