G-3477

Investigation of Serum Levels of Immunoglobulins IgM, IgA, and IgG Subclasses in Women with Unexplained Primary Infertility and Comparison with Fertile Women of the Same Age Group

 Zahra Arjmand ¹, Maryam Sarrami ² ℗, Behzad Shakerian ³ ©   

 
Abstract

1. Introduction: Unexplained infertility is a common issue among women, defined as the inability to conceive despite regular sexual intercourse without the use of contraception, with no identifiable medical cause. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) and IgG subclasses in women with unexplained infertility and compare them with healthy fertile women. 2. Methods and Materials: This case-control cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 women aged 20 to 35 years, divided into two groups: 30 women with unexplained infertility (case group) and 30 healthy fertile women (control group). Participants were randomly selected from Dr. Shakerian’s clinic and Isfahan Shariati Hospital. Data were collected using a checklist including demographic information and laboratory results. Serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) and IgG subclasses were measured and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with a significance level of 0.05 or less. 3. Results: Specifically, the serum levels of IgG2 and IgG4 subclasses were significantly higher in the control group (healthy fertile women) compared to the case group (women with unexplained infertility). The mean serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group. The IgG-1 level in the case group was 6.22 g/L, and in the control group, it was 6.87 g/L (p = 0.076). The IgG-2 level in the case group was 4.35 g/L, and in the control group, it was 5.31 g/L (p = 0.001). The IgG-3 level in the case group was 0.80 g/L, and in the control group, it was 0.92 g/L (p = 0.149). The IgG-4 level in the case group was 0.60 g/L, and in the control group, it was 0.71 g/L (p = 0.028). The IgA level in the case group was 469.57 ± 99.06, and in the control group, it was 213.55 ± 123.25 (p 0.001). The IgM level in the case group was 274.48 ± 119.43, and in the control group, it was 129.74 ± 97.67 (p 0.001). No significant differences were observed in demographic characteristics such as age and body mass index between the two groups (p 0.001). 4. Conclusion and Discussion: The findings suggest that changes in serum immunoglobulin levels may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of unexplained infertility. Further studies are recommended to investigate the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications of these findings.

Keywords: Infertility, Immunoglobulins, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgG Subclasses, Autoantibodies