Oxidative Stress-Related Signaling Pathways Predict Oocytes' Fertilization In Vitro and Embryo Quality

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Background:

• The follicular fluid (FF) microenvironment significantly impacts oocyte development and fertilization.
• Understanding FF's molecular and metabolic composition is key to improving IVF success rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation markers in FF, and IVF outcomes.
• To assess the predictive value of FF antioxidant capacity and specific molecules for fertilization and embryo quality.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of oxidative stress and inflammation-related molecules in FF during oocyte retrieval in IVF.
• Correlation analysis of FF antioxidant potential with oocyte retrieval, maturation, fertilization rates, and embryo quality.

Main Results:

• FF from normally fertilized oocytes showed higher antioxidant capacity and lower pro-inflammatory molecules (IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, TGF-β, HIF-1α) with higher IL-10.
• FF associated with top-quality embryos had distinct antioxidant capacity and reduced pro-inflammatory markers compared to FF from poor-quality embryos.
• Successful embryo implantation correlated with lower pro-inflammatory molecules and high FF antioxidant capacity.
• Antioxidant capacity and IL-10 demonstrated predictive value for fertilization and embryo quality.

Conclusions:

• Oxidative stress significantly affects oocyte fertilization.
• Controlling the inflammatory and oxidative status of FF is crucial for achieving good-quality embryos with implantation potential.