IGF-II, IGFBP-4, -6, and -7, and HMGB1 show changes in follicular fluid in PCOS - Summary - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Alterations in Follicular Fluid Levels of IGF-II, IGFBP-4, -6, -7, and HMGB1 in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

  • By

  • Veronica Buia

  • Cecilia Catellani

  • Stefania Croci

  • Beatrice Righi

  • Daria Morini

  • Angela Immacolata Falbo

  • Alessia Nicoli

  • Alessandro De Fanti

  • Lucia Belloni

  • Lorenzo Aguzzoli

  • Maria Teresa Villani

  • Chiara Sartori

  • Maria Elisabeth Street

  • June 5, 2026

Share

Objective:

To investigate changes in IGF system protein concentrations in follicular fluid from PCOS patients compared to control subjects.

Key Findings:
  • Lower levels of IGF-II and IGFBP-4, and increased levels of IGFBP-6 and IGFBP-7 were found in PCOS compared to controls.
  • IGF-I and IGFBP-1, -2, and -3 levels were similar between PCOS and controls.
  • HMGB1 levels were increased in PCOS.
  • In under/normal weight PCOS women, lower IGF-II and IGFBP-4 and increased IGFBP-7 were observed compared to controls.
  • IGFBP-5 was undetectable in the study.
Interpretation:

The reduction in IGF-II and IGFBP-4 in follicular fluid in PCOS is associated with reduced follicular development.

Limitations:
  • The study does not address the long-term implications of altered IGF levels in PCOS.
  • The sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:

The findings indicate specific alterations in the IGF system in PCOS.

Original Source(s)

IGF-II, IGFBP-4, -6, and -7, and HMGB1 show changes in follicular fluid in PCOS

  • by Veronica Buia, Cecilia Catellani, Stefania Croci, Beatrice Righi, Daria Morini, Angela Immacolata Falbo, Alessia Nicoli, Alessandro De Fanti, Lucia Belloni, Lorenzo Aguzzoli, Maria Teresa Villani, Chiara Sartori, Maria Elisabeth Street

  • June 5, 2026

Related Content

Clinical efficacy of acupuncture for women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Editorial Expression of Concern: Office microlaparoscopic ovarian drilling (OMLOD) versus conventional laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) for women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Thyroid autoimmunity does not delineate a cardiometabolic or androgenic phenotype in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a pre-specified cross-sectional analysis