Objective
We have previously shown that adults conceived by IVF were more insulin resistant than naturally conceived adults (controls). However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. This study aimed to compare circulating inflammatory cytokines and expression of genes involved in oxidative stress in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Materials and Methods
Adults conceived by IVF (n=14) and controls (n=20) matched for age (17–26 years), gender, weight and body fat composition were studied. Subjects were examined after three days of an energy balanced diet (30% fat, 15% protein, 55% carbohydrate) and again after 3 days of overfeeding (+1250 kcal/day, 45% fat, 15% protein, 40% carbohydrate). Vastus lateralis muscle and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsy samples were obtained from 6 IVF and 11 controls. Serum levels of IGF1, Adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were examined by ELISA. Markers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and 2, glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and catalase) were measured by qPCR in both tissues.
Results
There was no difference between groups in serum levels of IGF1, adiponectin, CRP and MCP-1, independently of diet. At baseline, relative gene expression of SOD2 and GPX1 in skeletal muscle was significantly lower in IVF adults versus controls (P=0.02 and 0.04 respectively).
Conclusions
The data shows that inflammatory mediators were not altered in young IVF adults, although the expression of enzymes involved in antioxidative SOD2 and GPX1, were significantly lower. Further studies are warranted to determine if oxidative stress contributes to peripheral insulin resistance observed in IVF individuals.