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Original Article
An assessment of total antioxidant and oxidant parameters and their correlation with embryo quality in in-vitro fertilization patients
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2025;47:e-rbgo22
04-30-2025
Summary
Original ArticleAn assessment of total antioxidant and oxidant parameters and their correlation with embryo quality in in-vitro fertilization patients
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2025;47:e-rbgo22
04-30-2025Views43Abstract
Objective:
In vitro, fertilization is the primary treatment method for infertility. Follicular fluid analysis is an approach used to optimize the results of assisted reproductive techniques. Oxidative stress represents the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and their detoxification. Total Antioxidant and Oxidant Status, and Oxidative Stress Index levels are the main oxidative stress markers. This study investigated the effects of oxidative stress markers on infertility etiology, embryo quality, and success of In vitro fertilization.
Methods:
Before enrolling in the ICSI-ET cycle, participants had their FSH and LH levels assessed on the second day of the cycle. The ovarian degrees of the participants were evaluated by transvaginal ultrasonography. Participants underwent controlled ovarian stimulation using the GnRH antagonist protocol. TV-USG and serial E2 measurements were performed at appropriate intervals to follow follicular development. Follicle sizes, quantity, and endometrial thickness were recorded. Total Antioxidant and Oxidant Status, and Oxidative analyses were conducted using Rel Assay Diagnostics Assay Kits.
Results:
The average number of total oocytes in the participants was 10.25±6.66, and the average of mature M2 stage oocytes was 6.71±3.72. The average number of fertilized oocytes was 4.65±2.81. Fertilization rates were calculated as approximately 54.75±25.58%. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between embryo quality and serum Total Antioxidant Status levels (p=0.004). Similarly, a significant positive correlation was observed between embryo quality and follicular Total Antioxidant Status values (r = 0.42, p = 0.01).
Conclusion:
This study concluded that oxidative stress markers affect certain stages of the IVF treatment process.
Key-words AntioxidantsFertilization in vitroFollicular fluidInfertilityOocytesOxidantsOxidative stressSee moreViews43
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Summary
Original ArticleAn assessment of total antioxidant and oxidant parameters and their correlation with embryo quality in in-vitro fertilization patients
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2025;47:e-rbgo22
04-30-2025Views43Abstract
Objective:
In vitro, fertilization is the primary treatment method for infertility. Follicular fluid analysis is an approach used to optimize the results of assisted reproductive techniques. Oxidative stress represents the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and their detoxification. Total Antioxidant and Oxidant Status, and Oxidative Stress Index levels are the main oxidative stress markers. This study investigated the effects of oxidative stress markers on infertility etiology, embryo quality, and success of In vitro fertilization.
Methods:
Before enrolling in the ICSI-ET cycle, participants had their FSH and LH levels assessed on the second day of the cycle. The ovarian degrees of the participants were evaluated by transvaginal ultrasonography. Participants underwent controlled ovarian stimulation using the GnRH antagonist protocol. TV-USG and serial E2 measurements were performed at appropriate intervals to follow follicular development. Follicle sizes, quantity, and endometrial thickness were recorded. Total Antioxidant and Oxidant Status, and Oxidative analyses were conducted using Rel Assay Diagnostics Assay Kits.
Results:
The average number of total oocytes in the participants was 10.25±6.66, and the average of mature M2 stage oocytes was 6.71±3.72. The average number of fertilized oocytes was 4.65±2.81. Fertilization rates were calculated as approximately 54.75±25.58%. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between embryo quality and serum Total Antioxidant Status levels (p=0.004). Similarly, a significant positive correlation was observed between embryo quality and follicular Total Antioxidant Status values (r = 0.42, p = 0.01).
Conclusion:
This study concluded that oxidative stress markers affect certain stages of the IVF treatment process.
Key-words AntioxidantsFertilization in vitroFollicular fluidInfertilityOocytesOxidantsOxidative stressSee moreThis is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 
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Artigos Originais
Concentration of steroid hormones in the follicular fluid of mature and immature ovarian follicles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome submitted to in vitro fertilization
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):447-453
01-17-2010
Summary
Artigos OriginaisConcentration of steroid hormones in the follicular fluid of mature and immature ovarian follicles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome submitted to in vitro fertilization
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):447-453
01-17-2010DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000900006
Views99See morePURPOSE: to evaluate the concentration of steroid hormones in follicular fluid (FF) of small (10-14 mm) and large (> 18 mm) follicles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) submitted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. METHODS: a case-control study was conducted on 13 infertile women with PCOS (17 cycles) and 31 infertile women due to male factor - Control Group (31 cycles). FF was aspirated individually and divided into four groups: G1 (FF of small follicles of the Control Group), G2 (FF of small follicles of the PCOS group), G3 (FF of large follicles of the Control Group) and G4 (FF of large follicles of the PCOS group). Estrogen, progesterone and β-hCG were determined by chemiluminescence, and testosterone and androstenedione by radioimmunoassay. The unpaired t-test was used to compare the hormone determinations in the FF of the PCOS and Control Groups, and the four groups were compared by ANOVA. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the pregnancy rates. RESULTS: the small follicles of the two groups had lower progesterone levels (8,435±3,305 ng/mL) than large follicles (10,280±3,475 ng/mL), p-value <0.01. The progesterone levels of all follicles of group PCOS (8,095±4,151 ng/mL) were lower than Control (9,824±3,128 ng/mL), p-value =0.03. Testosterone differed between G1 (326.6±124.4 ng/dL) and G3 (205.8±98.91 ng/dL), p-value <0.001, and between G3 (205.8±98.91 ng/dL) and G4 (351.10±122.1ng/dL), p-value <0.001. Small follicles had higher testosterone levels (508.9±266 ng/dL) than large follicles (245.10±123 ng/dL), p-value <0.0001. The pregnancy rates did not differ between the PCOS (5/13, 38.5%) and the Control groups (9/31, 40.9%), p-value =072. CONCLUSIONS: women with PCOS had high testosterone concentrations in the FF, regardless of the stage of follicle development, and reduced progesterone levels, suggesting that paracrine factors may inhibit the secretion of the latter by follicular cells. The pregnancy rates showed that treatment with COH and IVF is a good option for women with infertility secondary to PCOS.
Views99This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Summary
Artigos OriginaisConcentration of steroid hormones in the follicular fluid of mature and immature ovarian follicles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome submitted to in vitro fertilization
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):447-453
01-17-2010DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000900006
Views99See morePURPOSE: to evaluate the concentration of steroid hormones in follicular fluid (FF) of small (10-14 mm) and large (> 18 mm) follicles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) submitted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. METHODS: a case-control study was conducted on 13 infertile women with PCOS (17 cycles) and 31 infertile women due to male factor - Control Group (31 cycles). FF was aspirated individually and divided into four groups: G1 (FF of small follicles of the Control Group), G2 (FF of small follicles of the PCOS group), G3 (FF of large follicles of the Control Group) and G4 (FF of large follicles of the PCOS group). Estrogen, progesterone and β-hCG were determined by chemiluminescence, and testosterone and androstenedione by radioimmunoassay. The unpaired t-test was used to compare the hormone determinations in the FF of the PCOS and Control Groups, and the four groups were compared by ANOVA. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the pregnancy rates. RESULTS: the small follicles of the two groups had lower progesterone levels (8,435±3,305 ng/mL) than large follicles (10,280±3,475 ng/mL), p-value <0.01. The progesterone levels of all follicles of group PCOS (8,095±4,151 ng/mL) were lower than Control (9,824±3,128 ng/mL), p-value =0.03. Testosterone differed between G1 (326.6±124.4 ng/dL) and G3 (205.8±98.91 ng/dL), p-value <0.001, and between G3 (205.8±98.91 ng/dL) and G4 (351.10±122.1ng/dL), p-value <0.001. Small follicles had higher testosterone levels (508.9±266 ng/dL) than large follicles (245.10±123 ng/dL), p-value <0.0001. The pregnancy rates did not differ between the PCOS (5/13, 38.5%) and the Control groups (9/31, 40.9%), p-value =072. CONCLUSIONS: women with PCOS had high testosterone concentrations in the FF, regardless of the stage of follicle development, and reduced progesterone levels, suggesting that paracrine factors may inhibit the secretion of the latter by follicular cells. The pregnancy rates showed that treatment with COH and IVF is a good option for women with infertility secondary to PCOS.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. -
Artigos Originais
Lipid peroxidation and vitamin E in serum and follicular fluid of infertile women with endometriosis submitted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):303-309
10-08-2007
Summary
Artigos OriginaisLipid peroxidation and vitamin E in serum and follicular fluid of infertile women with endometriosis submitted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):303-309
10-08-2007DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000600005
Views117PURPOSE: to assess the level of lipid peroxidation (LP) and vitamin E in the follicular fluid and serum of infertile patients, with or without endometriosis, submitted to induction of ovulation for assisted reproduction procedures. METHODS: infertile patients aged 20 to 38 years old were selected prospectively and consecutively and divided into Endometriosis Group (17 patients with pelvic endometriosis) and Control Group (19 patients with previous tubal ligation or with male factor). Blood samples were collected on: D1 (before the beginning of the use of gonadotrophins), D2 (day of human chorionic gonadotrofin application) and D3 (day of oocyte retrieval). On D3, follicular fluid samples free from blood contamination were also collected and stored. LP was assessed for malondialdehyde (MDA) quantification by spectrophotometry, and antioxidant status by measurement of vitamin E by HLPC. RESULTS: on D1, no significant difference in LP was observed between groups. However, vitamin E levels were significantly higher in the Control Group. On D2, LP levels were significantly higher in the Endometriosis Group compared to Control and vitamin E levels continued to be significantly higher in the Control Group. On D3, there was no significant difference in both serum and follicular fluid levels of LP or vitamin E between groups. However, on D3, vitamin E levels were found to be significantly higher in serum than in follicular fluid in both groups, whereas MDA levels were significantly lower in follicular fluid than in serum only in the Control Group. CONCLUSION: before the beginning of the induction of ovulation, a significant decrease in antioxidant status was observed in patients with endometriosis, perhaps because antioxidants are consumed during oxidation reactions. After the induction of ovulation with exogenous gonadotrophins, the group of patients with endometriosis presented not only increased lipid peroxidation compared to Control, but also maintained a lower antioxidant status than the Control Group. However, on the day of oocyte retrieval, both serum LP potential and the levels of vitamin E were found to be similar in both groups.
Key-words EndometriosisFollicular fluidInfertility, femaleLipid peroxidationOvulation InductionOxidative stressReproductive techniques, assistedVitamin ESee moreViews117This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Summary
Artigos OriginaisLipid peroxidation and vitamin E in serum and follicular fluid of infertile women with endometriosis submitted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):303-309
10-08-2007DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000600005
Views117PURPOSE: to assess the level of lipid peroxidation (LP) and vitamin E in the follicular fluid and serum of infertile patients, with or without endometriosis, submitted to induction of ovulation for assisted reproduction procedures. METHODS: infertile patients aged 20 to 38 years old were selected prospectively and consecutively and divided into Endometriosis Group (17 patients with pelvic endometriosis) and Control Group (19 patients with previous tubal ligation or with male factor). Blood samples were collected on: D1 (before the beginning of the use of gonadotrophins), D2 (day of human chorionic gonadotrofin application) and D3 (day of oocyte retrieval). On D3, follicular fluid samples free from blood contamination were also collected and stored. LP was assessed for malondialdehyde (MDA) quantification by spectrophotometry, and antioxidant status by measurement of vitamin E by HLPC. RESULTS: on D1, no significant difference in LP was observed between groups. However, vitamin E levels were significantly higher in the Control Group. On D2, LP levels were significantly higher in the Endometriosis Group compared to Control and vitamin E levels continued to be significantly higher in the Control Group. On D3, there was no significant difference in both serum and follicular fluid levels of LP or vitamin E between groups. However, on D3, vitamin E levels were found to be significantly higher in serum than in follicular fluid in both groups, whereas MDA levels were significantly lower in follicular fluid than in serum only in the Control Group. CONCLUSION: before the beginning of the induction of ovulation, a significant decrease in antioxidant status was observed in patients with endometriosis, perhaps because antioxidants are consumed during oxidation reactions. After the induction of ovulation with exogenous gonadotrophins, the group of patients with endometriosis presented not only increased lipid peroxidation compared to Control, but also maintained a lower antioxidant status than the Control Group. However, on the day of oocyte retrieval, both serum LP potential and the levels of vitamin E were found to be similar in both groups.
Key-words EndometriosisFollicular fluidInfertility, femaleLipid peroxidationOvulation InductionOxidative stressReproductive techniques, assistedVitamin ESee moreThis is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Follicular fluid Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
