Abstract
Oxidative and nitrosative stress are common problems when handling gametes in vitro. In vitro development in mammalian embryos is highly affected by culture conditions, especially by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), because their absence or overproduction causes embryo arrest and changes in gene expression. Melatonin in gamete co-incubation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) has deleterious or positive effects, depending on the concentration used in the culture medium, demonstrating the delicate balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity. Further research is needed to better understand the possible impact of melatonin on the different IVP steps in humans and other mammals, especially in seasonal breeds where this neuro-hormone system highly regulates its reproduction physiology.
Highlights
IntroductionThe protocols for in vitro maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have been greatly improved during the last decade
This is mainly due to the lack of optimal in vitro conditions that cannot mimic the in vivo conditions, leading to several differences between both conditions such as increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [1]
Decreases ROS and MDA levels Increases the antioxidant capacity in seminal plasma, reduces the oxidative damage caused in sperm DNA, increases the quality of embryos Increases the fertilization rate I the second cycle, improves the fertilization and embryos quality rate
Summary
The protocols for in vitro maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have been greatly improved during the last decade. Only a few embryos produced by ARTs are capable of carrying out development to full term This is mainly due to the lack of optimal in vitro conditions that cannot mimic the in vivo conditions, leading to several differences between both conditions such as increased levels of ROS or RNS [1]. Both free radicals are generated as sub-products in physiological processes where the oxygen consumption is produced in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration in the mitochondria [2]. When an imbalance between pro-oxidant molecules occurs due to the increase of ROS/RNS levels or the reduction of the antioxidant defense mechanisms, the phenomenon called oxidative or nitrosative stress is triggered [29,30]
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