The role of enzymatic antioxidants detected in the follicular fluid and semen of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction

• Published in: Human fertility (Cambridge, England) Vol. 12; no. 3; pp. 166 - 171
• Main Authors: Pasqualotto, Eleonora Bedin, Lara, Luana Venturin, Salvador, Mirian, Sobreiro, Bernardo Passos, Borges, Edson, Pasqualotto, Fábio Firmbach
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 2009; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Age Factors; Analysis of Variance; Catalase - metabolism; Embryo Transfer; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Follicular fluid; Follicular Fluid - metabolism; Humans; Infertility - metabolism; Infertility - therapy; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; oocyte; oxidative stress; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Semen - metabolism; sperm antioxidants; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Superoxide Dismutase - metabolism
• ISSN: 1464-7273; 1742-8149
• DOI: 10.1080/14647270903207941

The follicular fluid environment surrounding the oocytes may play a critical role in fertilization and subsequent embryo development. The goal of our study was to evaluate the oxidative stress markers in the semen, blood serum, and follicular fluid of couples undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Two hundred and eight infertile couples underwent ICSI and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were evaluated. Semen Catalase was highly correlated with fertilization and cleavage rates, but not with pregnancy rates. Fertilization and cleavage rates were correlated with the levels of SOD and Catalase in the follicular fluid. After adjusting for age, a negative correlation was detected between LPO levels in follicular fluid and pregnancy rates. Follicular fluid LPO levels may be a marker as a metabolic activity within the follicle need for establishing a pregnancy.