Investigation of oxidative stress status in cumulus cells in patıents with in vitro fertilization

Abstract

The negative impact of oxidative stress on oocytes obtained from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients is a challenge for the optimization of live birth rates. In this study, it is aimed to investigate whether oxidant/antioxidant parameters have a predictive value in terms of determining the count and quality of oocytes. Catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), arylesterase (ARE) enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analysed in cumulus cells of poor responder (n = 28, oocyte count ≤ 4), normo responder (n = 48, 5 ≤ oocyte count ≤ 14), and high responder (n = 26, oocyte count ≥ 15) patient groups continuing IVF treatment. The cumulus cell GST enzyme activity were statistically significantly increased in the high responders group compared to the poor responder and the normo responder’s groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). The cumulus cell MDA levels were significantly decreased in the high responder group compared to the poor responder group (p = 0.008). The cumulus cell CAT (p = 0.175) and ARE (p = 0.124) enzyme activities were examined but no statistically significant difference found between the groups. The significant increase in GST enzyme activity and significant decrease in MDA levels in the high responder group indicate that oxidative stress has an effect oocyte status and quality.