Characterization of novel angiogenic factors implicated in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): potential vascular hyperpermeability treatment?

OUBIÑA, GONZALO; ABRAMOVICH DALHIA; LEOPODINA SCOTTI; PASCUALI, N.; MARTA TESONE; DE ZÚÑIGA I; FERNANDA PARBORELL

Congreso; International Vascular Biology Meeting 2018; 2018

European Vascular Biology Organisation

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication of ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and is characterised by rapid fluid shifts from the intravascular compartment to the third space [1,2]. Its prevalence is 5-10% of patients that undergo ART and it is a potentially life-threatening condition in its severe form [3]. Although the patho-physiology of the syndrome is not completely understood, and no specific therapy or prevention is available yet, it is known that an imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors present in follicular fluid (FF) induces high permeability and, therefore, the presence of ascites in these patients [4-6]. However, few studies have demonstrated the participation of angiogenic factors other than VEGF in OHSS development. PDGF ligands are involved in vascular stability and permeability [7-10], particularly through peri-endothelial cell recruitment [11]. Therefore we proposed the following hypothesis: a) Deregulation of PDGF is implicated in the OHSS pathogeny, therefore affecting blood vessels and contributing to the excessive vascular permeability that leads to ascitis in OHSS patients.General objectivesTo characterize the composition (A) and angiogenic potential (B) of FF from OHSS patients in comparison with control patients.To study the effect of PDGF-B ovarian administration in an OHSS model. Our findings suggest that PDGF-B dysregulation is implicated in OHSS pathogenesis. Elucidating the mechanisms involved could help identify new therapeutic targets for OHSS and other diseases with aberrant vascular leakage.