The Assessment of Cryopreservation on the Quality of Endangered Oravka Rooster Spermatozoa Using Casa and Cytometry.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of genetic resources in gene bank is necessary for conservation of endangered poultry species. OBJECTIVE: This study is to characterize Oravka rooster semen quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heterospermic pool was diluted (1:1 by volume) in a freeze medium composed of a commercial diluent (Kobidil+, K), 8% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) or 8% ethylene glycol (EG) or 8% glycerol (GL), and then frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour. RESULTS: Spermatozoa in the GL/K+ had significantly higher number of motile and progressively moving spermatozoa (p < 0.05) than in DMSO/K+ and EG/K+ groups. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic spermatozoa were significantly higher in the DMSO/K+ and EG/K+ groups compared with the GL/K+ group. Based on the total motility, progressive movement parameters and viability, our study showed that 8% GL diluted in Kobidil+ provided the highest cryoprotective effect on the Oravka rooster spermatozoa.

Ultrastructure of Cell Organelles in Pre-implantation Embryos from Cows with Different Body Condition Score.

Morphology of important cell organelles (mitochondria, lipid droplets, vacuoles, inclusion bodies and apoptotic bodies) in embryos derived from cows with different body condition score (BCS) was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Embryos were recovered on 7th day after the insemination by a standard non-surgical flushing of the uterine horns from superovulated Holstein Friesian cows with BCS 2, 3, 4 and 5. Thereafter, the good quality blastocysts were processed for TEM. The electronograms were evaluated by stereological analysis. The relative volume of lipid droplets in BCS4 and BCS5 embryos increased significantly (18.53 and 22.40%) when compared to BCS3 embryos (5.46%). In the embryos from the BCS4 or BCS5 cows, we observed different morphological patterns of mitochondria, as well as the mitochondria containing vacuoles. BCS4 and BCS5 embryo cell nuclei showed the structure typical for low transcription activity (none or very few reticular nucleoli); also dilated inter-cellular spaces were often observed in these embryos. In conclusion, differences in the ultrastructural morphology of embryos from over-conditioned cows (BCS4 and BCS5), particularly the higher lipid content in the cytoplasm, can be a marker of their low quality, and this fact can be a contributing factor to subfertility in over-conditioned cows.

Incidental tubal endometrioid adenocarcinoma - case report.

The fallopian tubes represent a highly important structure for ovarian carcinogenesis. They provide the passage of eutopic endometrium from the uterus, as well as metastatic cells from the ovaries. A direct source of tumor cells for ovarian cancer was also recently confirmed in the fallopian tubes. The authors present a case report of an incidental tubal endometrioid carcinoma with the coexistence of adenomyosis.

Changes in urine autofluorescence in ovarian cancer patients.

Ovarian cancer is the type of cancer with the highest mortality rate among gynaecologic malignancies. Due to lack of screening tools, this disease is mainly diagnosed at a progressed stage, when it is too late to adequate therapy. Despite many attempts, enough sensitive and specific biomarker was not still uncovered. Fluorescence spectroscopy has proven to be a useful diagnostic tool with high efficiency. Fluorescence detection has three major advantages over other light-based investigation methods: high sensitivity, high speed, and reliability. Biological materials consist of a number of intrinsic fluorescent compounds -autofluorophores, which are associated with cardinal metabolic pathways. It is well known, that cancerous tissue metabolism is altered compared to healthy one, what influence also intrinsic fluorophores composition of bodily fluids. Urine is one of the biological fluids that could be obtained most easily and displays a blue - green fluorescence that can change in case of pathological process. Analysis of urine autofluorescence is non invasive and simple technique. Using fluorescent spectroscopy, ovarian cancer patients and healthy control group were discerned with high significance, so we predict that fluorescence analysis of urine could be a potential means of ovarian cancer screening.

Ultrastructure of vitrified rabbit transgenic embryos.

The aim of the study was to determine the viability of rabbit transgenic (enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-positive) embryos cultured in vitro and compare with gene-microinjected (Mi) non-transgenic (EGFP-negative) embryos following vitrification. Non-microinjected and non-vitrified embryos were used as the control. Morphological signs of injury to embryo organelles were determined at the ultrastructural level using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphometric evaluation was performed on cellular organelles using microphotographs obtained by TEM. Intact and Mi embryos recovered from in vivo fertilized eggs at 19-20 hours post coitum (hpc) were cultured for up to 72 hpc (morula stage), evaluated for the EGFP gene integration and then vitrified in 0.25 ml insemination straws in modified EFS (40% ethylene glycol + 18% Ficoll 70 + 0.3 M sucrose) vitrification solution. After 1-3 days the embryos were devitrified, a representative selection of embryos was analyzed by TEM and the remaining embryos were subjected to additional in vitro culture. Observations by TEM showed that the vitrified/warmed EGFP-positive and EGFP-negative embryos had a slight accumulation of cellular debris and lipid droplets compared with the control intact embryos. More severe changes were detected in the membrane structures of the treated embryos, mostly in the cytoplasmic envelope, trophoblastic microvilli, junctional contacts and mitochondria. We suggest that the higher proportion of deteriorated cell structures and organelles in the treated embryos may be due to the vitrification process rather than to mechanical violation (the gene-microinjection procedure), as a detailed inspection of ultrastructure revealed that most damage occurred in the cell membrane structures.

Borderline ovarian tumor - a case report with genetic testing.

Despite an accurate classification, the borderline category of ovarian tumors is one of the most controversial topics in gynecologic oncology and is confusing to both clinicians and patients. The treatment is often confronted with the necessity of a fertility-sparing approach, although under-treatment increases the risk of disease recurrence. The clear definition of a group of patients with low or high risk of relapse requiring more or less extensive treatment is lacking. Currently, the main criteria affecting the treatment extent include histopathological features, particularly the presence of microinvasion, and invasive implants. Expansion of knowledge about genetic nature of the tumor characteristics may more closely specify the scope of therapeutic approach for individual patients. The authors report a case report of serous borderline ovarian tumor patient with tumor cell dispersion into the gastrointestinal tract. The genes of tumor vascular markers GPM6B and DR6 were also studied and compared to a group of healthy patients.

Histopathological alterations in the antral ovarian follicles in dairy cows with a tendency to emaciation.

The aim of the study was to define interrelationships between histopathological alterations in ovarian antral follicles and body condition in dairy cows with a tendency to emaciation (BCS 1 and 2) compared with dairy cows with normal body condition (BCS 3). The ovaries were recovered from slaughtered cyclic dairy cows (at the luteal phase of the cycle) of Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein breeds at different times of the post-partum period. The animals were estimated as belonging to certain grade of body condition score (BCS) according to a 5-point scale. Only dairy cows with BCS1 (emaciation; n=6), BCS2 (tendency to emaciation; n=5) and BCS3 (optimal body condition status; n=6) were available for the experiment. The ovarian samples were embedded into Technovit 7100 resin; the tissue sections were stained with buffered basic fuchsine with toluidine blue. For acidic mucopolysaccharides (aMPS) a combination of PAS-technique with Alcian blue was used. Histological analysis showed that emaciation was associated with an increased occurrence of late (cystic) and luteinization-related atresia in granulosa and theca cells and increased levels of aMPS in small atretic follicles. Our observations indicate that dairy cows with a tendency to emaciation (BCS 2) or emaciated (BCS 1) have elevated occurrence of late atresia and atresia with luteinization, while initial atresia is less. This expands our basic knowledge of ovarian histopathology providing new insight into the association of antral follicle atresia and body condition status in dairy cows.

[New and clinically used oncomarkers of bladder cancer]. / Nové a klinicky vyuzívané onkomarkery karcinómu mocového mechúra.

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women. Oncomarkers play a crucial role in early detection of bladder cancer, as well as in treatment response monitoring and prognosis. Search for a new marker by molecular analysis is in progress because any diagnostic sensitivity and specificity enhancement is a great benefit for clinical practice.

Molecular diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Novel approaches in the diagnostics of T. gondii have enabled a detection of the parasite in the amniotic fluid or blood of pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: The high titres of IgM and IgG antibodies against T. gondii are not always indicative of the presence of this parasite in pregnant women, therefore the molecular assays can be used to diagnose and genetically characterise T. gondii in amniotic fluids and blood samples. METHODS: The study analysed 15 samples of amniotic fluid and 1 sample of the blood from pregnant women suspected for toxoplasmosis. The serological ELISA test was used for the immunological study and molecular analyses, PCR at SAG2 locus followed by RFLP analysis were used for Toxoplasma gondii genotyping. CONCLUSION: Using PCR assay with TGR1E gene we have confirmed the presence of T. gondii in the blood of a pregnant woman. The parasite was typed as genotype I, belonging to virulent strains (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 30).

[The impact of exogenous luteinizing hormone on IVF/ICSI cycles parameters]. / Vplyv exogénneho luteinizacného hormónu na parametre IVF/ICSI cyklov.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of exogenous luteinizing hormone on IVF/ICSI success. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: 2nd Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and L. Pasteur University Hospital Kosice, Slovak Republic. METHODS: Individual parameters and clinical pregnancy rate of 232 IVF/ICSI cycles were compared in dependence on stimulation protocol (pure rFSH vs. rFSH and 75 IU rLH from S7). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in IVF/ICSI success between individual groups and subgroups, but we demonstrated the increase in clinical pregnancy rate per ET in agonist cycles group with exogenous LH activity totally above 11% (27.6% vs. 38.6%), in patients under 35 years above 12% (30.4% vs. 42.6%) and in patients over 35 years above 14% (16.7% vs. 30.8%). In antagonist cycles group there was demonstrated the increase in clinical pregnancy rate only in women over 35 years - above 14% (13.3% vs. 30.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite of negative statistical analyses, from the clinical point of view we can strongly recommend the LH addition during COH, especially in agonist cycles and in older women.

[Risk of the prolapse "de novo" in primary unaffected compartment by using the syntethic mesh in the surgery treatment of the pelvic organe prolapse]. / Riziko vzniku prolapsu "de novo" v primárne nepostihnutom kompartmente pri pouzití syntetického implantátu v rámci operacnej liecby prolapsu panvových orgánov.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective trial was to evaluate the risk of the prolapse "de novo" in primary unaffected compartment by using the syntethic mesh. DESIGN: Rerospective multicentric trial. SETTING: 2nd department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty of Safarik's University and L. Pasteur Hospital, Kosice and Gynaecology department, Gynpor, s.r.o., Sliac, Slovakia. POPULATION AND METHODS: One hundred and eleven women with stage > or = 2 prolapse according to the Pelvic Organe Prolapse - Quantification (POP-Q) system was enrolled into the study. In group MESH A (anterior compartment) was 86 (17x Prolift Anterior; 69x Prolift Anterior like MESH and group MESH P (posterior compartment) was 25 (9x Prolift Posterior; 16x Prolift posterior like MESH) of enrolled women. The primary outcome was the risk of POP > or = 2 "de novo" prolapse in primary unaffected compartment at 12 months follow-up. The second was the efficacy of the treatment by using synhetic mesh. Third was: Did uterus sparing operation increase the risk of reccurance of the prolapse. Complications was also reported. RESULTS: For subject attendigs the 12-month follow-up, the risk of "de novo" prolapse in MESH A group was 20.9% (17/86) compared with only 16% (4/25) in the MESH P group and was not significantly different (p<0.13). The efficacy was 91.6% in the MESH A group and 84% in the MESH P group and was not significantly different. Uterus sparing operation did not increase the risk the prolapse,,de novo" in primary unaffected compartment. Vaginal mesh exposure occured in 14.4%. CONCLUSION: Vaginal repair by using MESH is effective in the treatment of the pelvic organe prolapse, but is posible to provoke the development of prolapse in primary unaffected compartment.

Study of DNA interactions with cyclic chalcone derivatives by spectroscopic techniques.

A series of chalcone derivatives (1-4) were studied. The interaction between these ligands and calf thymus DNA was studied with UV-vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The binding constants K were estimated at 0.5-4.6×10(5) M(-1). All these measurements indicated that the compounds behave as effective DNA-intercalating agents. Electrophoretic separation proved that ligands inhibited topoisomerase I at a concentration of 60 µM.

[Overview of potential oncomarkers for detection of early stages of ovarian cancer]. / Prehl'ad potenciálnych onkomarkerov detekcie skorých fáz rakoviny vajecníkov.

The causes of ovarian cancer have not been fully elucidated yet but genetic predisposition is found in approximately 10% of patients. When the disease is detected at an early stage, up to 90% of patients have a hope of recovery. However, no preventive measures or precise screening tests to detect early stages of this disease are known yet. Standard tumor markers (CA125) are usually investigated in women with an increased risk. Nevertheless, due to low sensitivity and specificity during the first stage of the cancer, CA125 determination showed a very low efficacy (less than 26%). There has been a considerable progress over the recent years in understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to tumor formation and metastasis. Gradually, 46 genes were identified, initially named tumor endothelial markers (TEM), the expression of which is increased in tumors compared to normal endothelial cells. Death receptor 6 (DR6) and glycoprotein M6B (GPM6B), both detectable from patients serum, are among the most promising candidates for a marker of an early stage of ovarian cancer. This review aims to clearly describe potential as well as clinically used tumor markers useful in an early detection of ovarian cancer. Search for new markers, characterized by increased expression in patients'blood is a highly topical issue.

Effect of vitrification technique and assisted hatching on rabbit embryo developmental rate.

The aim of the study was to determine the efficiency of two vitrification techniques followed by two assisted hatching (AH) techniques based on post-thaw developmental capacity of precompacted rabbit embryos and their ability to leave the zona pellucida (hatching) during in vitro culture. The total cell number and embryo diameter as additional markers of embryo quality after warming were evaluated. In vivo fertilized, in vitro cultured 8-12-cell rabbit embryos obtained from superovulated rabbit does were cryopreserved by two-step vitrification method using ethylene glycol (EG) as cryoprotectant or by one-step vitrification method with EG and Ficoll (EG+Ficoll). Thawed embryos were subjected to enzymatic or mechanical AH. Vitrified EG group showed significantly lower (P < 0.05) blastocyst rate (22.5%) and hatching rate (15%) than those vitrified with EG + Ficoll (63 and 63% resp.) and that of control (97 and 97% respectively). Significantly lower values of total cell number (P < 0.05) as well as embryo diameter (P < 0.01) in EG group compared with EG + Ficoll and control group were recorded. No significant difference was found in developmental potential of warmed embryos treated by either mechanical or enzymatic AH. The present study demonstrates that the EG + Ficoll vitrification protocol provides superior embryo survival rates over the EG vitrification protocol for 8-12-cell stage precompacted rabbit embryos. No positive effect of either mechanical or enzymatic AH on the post-thaw viability and quality of rabbit embryos in vitro was observed.

In vitro antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects of Flavin7.

Flavin7 (F7) is a nutritional supplement often taken by cancer patients in Central Europe during chemo- and radiation therapy. In this study, investigation of the antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities of this supplement were performed. Flavin7 showed antiproliferative activity in Jurkat as well as in HeLa cells. It significantly reduced the growth of both cancer cell lines at the doses of 200 microg/ml to 20 microg/ml (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). In F7-treated Jurkat cells we found a significant increase in the fraction of cells with sub-G(0)/G(1) DNA content, which is considered to be a marker of apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis was also confirmed by annexin V staining and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, F7 at the doses of 100 microg/ml to 4 microg/ml inhibited endothelial cell migration and capillary tube formation what indicates its potential antiangiogenic properties. Flavin7 also inhibited the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), preferentially MMP-9, at the doses of 100 microg/ml to 4 microg/ml. Our data suggest that F7 possesses marked antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties in vitro. Further research is needed to elucidate also its in vivo activities.

Post-thaw survival, cell death and actin cytoskeleton in gene-microinjected rabbit embryos after vitrification.

The aim of this study was to compare two vitrification procedures (VPs), using either ethylene glycol (EG) in combination with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, vitrification protocol (VPI)) or Ficoll 70 (vitrification protocol II (VPII)), for rabbit embryo cryopreservation based on their post-thaw survival, cell death and actin cytoskeleton. The pronuclear stage eggs were flushed from the oviducts of the slaughtered New Zealand White rabbit does 19-20h post coitum (hpc) and randomly divided into two groups: intact (control) and microinjected (Mi). Mi embryos or intact embryos were cultured for up to 72hpc (morula stage), and then vitrified using either VPI (VPI+Mi, VPI) or VPII (VPII+Mi, VPII). After 2-3 days at -196 degrees C, the embryos were thawed and cultured until 96-100hpc to assess their development to blastocyst, apoptotic rate (TUNEL assay) and state of actin cytoskeleton (phalloidine-TRITC). Mi procedure reduced blastocyst yield, but it was higher than in either vitrified (VPI) or Mi vitrified (VPI+Mi) embryos. VPI compromised, whereas VPII did not significantly affect blastocyst development compared to intact embryos. Mi and VP both affected the embryo quality increasing TUNEL-index and decreasing the ratio of embryos with high quality actin cytoskeleton compared to control. A higher apoptotic index was recorded in VPI group. A combination of Mi and VP induced an increase in apoptotic rate (10.35% and 7.54% for VPI+Mi and VPII+Mi, respectively) as compared to Mi alone (5.7%). Ratio of embryos belonging to best actin quality (grade I) was different among groups and most of the embryos with grade I actin were in intact (84%), Mi (71%) or VPII (70%) groups. A significantly lower number of embryos with grade I actin quality was observed in VPI (58%), VPI+Mi (54%) or VPII+Mi (66%). These observations indicate that of the vitrification schemes tested, the VPII using EG and ficoll 70 as cryoprotectants, was less harmful than VPI (EG combined with DMSO in vitrification medium).

[Prediction of intrauterine growth retardation using the integrated test markers]. / Predikcia intrauterinnej rastovej retardácie plodu pomocou markerov integrovaného testu.

OBJECTIVE: Author's objective was to ascertain the option for prediction of intrauterine growth retardation using the integrated test markers on the population of pregnant women in Kosice city. DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal, multicenter study. SETTING: 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of P. J. Safárik, Kosice, Slovak Republic. METHODS: The study group comprised 578 pregnant patients of 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in the period from 01.11.2001 until 31.01.2005 for integrated test consisting of (examination of the gestation age using CRL, concentration of PAPP-A, NT, AFP, uE3, hCG). Information on birth weight, gender, gestation age at the time of delivery, occurrence of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications were found in 578 patients retrospectivelly. We have designed two outcome criteria: 1. intrauterine growth retardation <5th fetal weight percentile - IUGR 5 - and intrauterine growth retardation <10th percentile - IUGR 10. In order to make use of the summary information provided by the markers, we have used the method of logistic regression to identify statistically significant predictors of individual binary outcomes (IUGR 5 and IUGR 10). First we developed an equation based on all available predictors. Statistically insignificant predictors were gradually eliminated from the model (Stepwise regression) until the final model remained, for which a ROC curve was developed and values of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at 5% FP (false positivity) were calculated. RESULTS: The final model of IUGR 5, containing only statistically significant markers of integrated test achieved - at 5% FP level and 95% specificity level - a 34.8% sensitivity, 24.1% positive and 97.0% negative predictive value - in prediction of birth weight under 5th percentile with respect to gestation age and gender. The final model of IUGR 10, containing only statistically significant markers achieved - at 5% FP level and 95% specificity level - a 36.4% sensitivity, 32.1% positive and 95.8% negative predictive value - in prediction of birth weight under 10th percentile with respect to gestation age and gender. CONCLUSION: Our results, as well as the results of other studies, lead to the conclusion, that in spite of the multitude of biochemical markers and various options for their combination with ultrasound markers, so far it has been impossible to find a combination which would meet the following criteria: 1. high sensitivity and specificity at low false positive values and high positive and negative predictive value, 2. application as a screening method for prediction of intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia in unselected population of pregnant women.

[Prediction of preeclampsia using the integrated test markers]. / Predikcia preeklampsie pomocou markerov integrovaného testu.

OBJECTIVE: Author's objective was to ascertain the option for prediction of preeclampsia using the integrated test markers on the population of pregnant women in Kosice city. DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal, multicenter study. SETTING: 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of P. J. Safárik, Kosice, Slovak Republic. METHODS: The study group comprised 578 pregnant patients of 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the period from 01.11.2001 until 31.01.2005 for integrated test consisting of (CRL, NT, concentration of PAPP-A, uE3, hCG, AFP). Primary outcome was defined as incidence of preeclampsia during pregnancy. Data on incidence of preeclampsia was collected from birth journals and records in 578 patients retrospectivelly. In order to make use of the summary information provided by the markers we have used the method of logistic regression to identify statistically significant predictors of the binary outcome measure of preeclampsia. First we developed an equation based on all available predictors. Statistically insignificant predictors were gradually eliminated from the model (Stepwise regression) until the final model remained, for which a ROC curve was developed and values of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at 5% FP (false positivity) were calculated. RESULTS: The final model of preeclampsia, which is based only on statistically significant markers of integrated test achieved--at 5% FP and 95% specificity--36.4% sensitivity and 22.7% positive and 97,4 negative predictive value for prediction of preeclampsia in pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Our results, as well as the results of other studies, lead to the conclusion, that in spite of the multitude of biochemical markers and various options for their combination with ultrasound markers for prediction of preeclampsia, so far it has been impossible to find a combination which would meet the following criteria: (1) high sensitivity and specificity at low false positive values and high positive and negative predictive value, (2) application as a screening method for prediction of preeclampsia in unselected population of pregnant women.

Survival of mouse embryos after vitrification depending on the cooling rate of the cryoprotectant solution.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the rate of cooling of eight-cell mouse embryos to the temperature of liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C) and their developmental capacity after thawing on the basis of their ability to leave the zona pellucida ('hatching') during in vitro culturing. Eight-cell embryos were obtained from superovulated female mice and divided into three experimental and one control group. Embryos from the experimental groups were cryopreserved by the vitrification method using ethylene glycol as cryoprotectant. The vitrification protocols used in the study differed in the rate of cooling of the cryoprotectant solution. Embryos from the first group were frozen in conventional 0.25-ml plastic straws, those from the second group in pipetting 'tips', and embryos from the third group, placed in vitrification solution, were introduced dropwise directly into liquid nitrogen. The control group of embryos was cultured in vitro without freezing in a culturing medium in an environment consisting of 95% air and 5% CO2. The developmental capacity of thawed embryos was assessed on the basis of their ability to leave the zona pellucida ('hatching') after three days of in vitro culturing. In the control group 95.1% of embryos 'hatched'. A significantly higher number of embryos that 'hatched' after thawing was observed in the group introduced dropwise directly into liquid nitrogen (60.0%) compared to the group frozen in pipetting 'tips' (37.9%). The group frozen in straws yielded significantly the lowest proportion of 'hatching' embryos (8.1%). These results showed that increasing cooling rates during vitrification of embryos improved their survival.

[Basal concentrations of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) as a predictor of succes of IVF-ICSI cycle]. / Bazálne koncentrácie FSH (folikulostimulacného hormónu) ako prediktor úspesnosti IVF-ICSI cyklu.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in relation to the ovarian reserve and to establish their effect on IVF success. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: 2nd Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and L. Pasteur University Hospital Kosice. METHODS: 155 IVF cycles were evaluated in relation to the basal FSH levels. Several parameters were regarded--duration of stimulation, gonadotrophins dosage, number of oocytes, oocyte quality, fertilization ratio, number of embryos, pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. RESULTS: Statistically significant correlation in relation to basal FSH levels was established in case of number of oocytes and number of embryos (p < 0.05). Other parameters were not correlated to basal FSH levels. There was not established lowerpregnancy rate in patients with elevated basal FSH levels. CONCLUSIONS: On basis of this study results we can observe that basal FSH concentrations give us some information about ovarian reserve, but they neither inform about oocyte quality nor predict IVF success.