An increase in IL-1β concentrations in embryo culture-conditioned media obtained by in vitro fertilization on day 3 is related to successful implantation

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate interleukin (IL)-1β concentrations in maternal serum and in embryo-cultured conditioned media and to correlate these findings with success of implantation. METHODS: A total of 70 infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment were studied. IL-1β concentrations were quantified in maternal serum and in embryo culture-conditioned media on days 1 and 3. The findings were compared between those who achieved pregnancy and those who did not. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in IL-1β serum concentrations between the groups. IL-1β was not detected in day 1 culture-conditioned medium. On day 3, IL-1β was quantified in 27 patients, and IL-1β concentrations were significantly higher in women who achieved pregnancy than in those who did not (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High IL-1β concentrations in day 3 culture-conditioned medium in patients who achieve pregnancy after in vitro fertilization treatment indicate a possible role of embryonic IL-1β in the implantation process.