Concentration of R-spondin 2 in the Follicular Fluid is Correlated with Oocyte Number and Metaphase II Oocytes in Iraqi Women Undergo ICSI

Background R-spondin2 is a protein expressed in the ovary at specific stages of follicular development the effect of R-spondin-2 on the follicles mimic the effect of FSH but differs in the intracellular mechanism in signal transduction cascades some studies suggested R-spondin2 agonist could provide a new treatment regimen for infertile women with low responses to tradional ovarian stimulating therapy. Objective to evaluate the concentration of R-spondin2 in the follicular and serum of women who undergo ICSI and to find if there is any correlation of the concentration of R-spondin2 with oocytes number Metaphase II (MII) number. Methods follicular fluid and serum were collected from 45 women age ranged 18-42 years who undergo ICSI in the day of oocyte retrieval, the number of oocytes and MII were counted, the concentration of R-spondin2 was measured using ELISA kit. Results the concentration of R -spondin 2 in the follicular fluid is correlated with oocytes number and MII number and there was no difference in the SEM between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Conclusion data of the present study show that R-spondin-2 has a direct positive effect on maturation of oocytes that provide basis for future studies about the possibility of inclusion of R-spondin2 analog in treatment of FSH irresponsive patients.