The oocyte quality and follicular fluid lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels in the patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment

Abstract

This study aimed to compare demographic, embryological, and biochemical parameters between male factor infertility and unexplained infertility groups undergoing IVF treatment. Demographic parameters such as age and BMI, along with embryological factors including the number of oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes, fertilization rate, and Grade II embryo quality, were evaluated. Biochemical markers, including MDA, GSH, GSH-Px, vitamin A, vitamin E, and ß-carotene, were also analyzed. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding demographic or embryological outcomes (p > 0.05), although Grade I embryo quality showed a significant difference (p = 0.047), underscoring the importance of embryo quality in IVF success. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were higher in the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant. Further biochemical analysis revealed significantly higher MDA levels in the patient group, indicating increased oxidative stress (p < 0.001). Conversely, antioxidant levels, including GSH, GSH-Px, vitamin A, and vitamin E, were found to be lower in the patient group, suggesting a weakened defense against oxidative stress. These results highlight the critical role of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in IVF outcomes. Specifically, increased MDA levels and decreased antioxidant activity were linked to lower oocyte and embryo quality. Despite these findings, no significant differences were noted in pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and birth rates between the groups. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of managing oxidative stress through antioxidant levels to potentially improve IVF success rates. Future research should further explore the biochemical parameters influencing IVF outcomes to refine treatment strategies for different infertility causes.

Keywords

• oocyte quality
• embryo quality
• lipid peroxidation
• vitamin E
• follicular fluid
• in vitro fertilization

Ethical Statement

The local human ethics committee of Suleyman Demirel University approved the project.

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