Association of Body Mass Index with Inflammatory Biomarkers Among Women with Infertility

Abstract

Background: The number of women suffering from infertility is increasing worldwide. Female reproductive health is influenced by several factors. This study aimed to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) and inflammatory biomarkers on female infertility and to evaluate their association. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and inflammatory biomarkers, including serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in infertile women. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Infertility Center from January to June 2026. The study included 95 married women aged 20–45 years. The control group consisted of 40 healthy married women, while the patient group comprised 55 obese women diagnosed with secondary infertility. Venous blood samples were collected under sterile conditions, and serum was separated for immunological analysis. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Statistical analysis showed that body mass index was significantly higher in infertile women than in the control group (P < 0.001). Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were also significantly elevated in infertile women compared with healthy controls (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: Obesity appears to be closely associated with female infertility. Increased body mass index is accompanied by elevated inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting that chronic low-grade inflammation may contribute to the pathophysiology of infertility. Improving metabolic health, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and reducing inflammation may help improve reproductive outcomes.