Impact of obesity and leptin levels on the secretion of estradiol, inhibin A and inhibin B during ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins.

We examined the impact of high leptin levels on the secretion of estradiol, inhibin A and inhibin B in obese and lean women during ovarian stimulation. Patients undergoing long-term pituitary suppression, ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization for non-endocrine reasons were included in this case-control study. Obese women (body mass index (BMI) > 28 kg/m(2); n = 17) were individually matched with lean women (BMI 20-25 kg/m(2); n = 17) for age and baseline follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations. Blood samples were collected in a previous menstrual cycle and 1-3 days apart throughout ovarian stimulation. Serum levels of estradiol, leptin, inhibin A and inhibin B were measured. Obese and lean women had similar serum concentrations of estradiol, inhibin A and inhibin B in the follicular and luteal phases of the spontaneous menstrual cycle, and throughout ovarian stimulation. Serum levels of leptin were higher in obese than in lean women, and increased during stimulation in both groups. In the obese group, area-under-the-curve (AUC) leptin levels correlated with AUC inhibin A levels. In the lean group, there was no correlation between AUC leptin levels and AUC levels of ovarian hormones. The results suggest that high leptin concentrations in vivo are not associated with impaired secretion of estradiol and dimeric inhibins during ovarian stimulation.

Hyperreactio luteinalis in a normal singleton pregnancy. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hyperreactio luteinalis rarely occurs in normal singleton pregnancy. About 50 such cases have been published. This case is noteworthy because it resulted in extremely enlarged ovaries and was accompanied by a hyperandrogenic state and high level of human chorionic gonadotropin. CASE: A gravida was referred to our department because of large, bilateral, cystic ovaries diagnosed by ultrasonography in the 28th week of gestation. Markedly elevated levels of androgens and human chorionic gonadotropin were noted. During the following six weeks the ovarian masses enlarged, and the hyperandrogenic state worsened. Cesarean section and, because of a bleeding right adnexectomy, left ovarian resection were performed. Histology confirmed the presumed diagnosis of hyperreactio luteinalis. The placenta was unremarkable. Seventeen weeks after surgery the hormone levels were normal. CONCLUSION: Our case suggests the possibility that in certain cases of hyperreactio luteinalis, an idiopathic elevation of human chorionic gonadotropin, can occur even in normal singleton pregnancies. Furthermore, it calls attention to the necessity of ultrasonographic demonstration of ovaries even during late pregnancy.