Oxidative Stress Causing Recurrent Miscarriage and Infertility in Female Inhabitants of High Altitudes of India

Abstract

Long-term exposure to altitude has been shown to have major consequences on metabolic, cardiovascular, and reproductive function. The effects of persistent hypoxia on reproductive health can be studied in a natural laboratory at high altitude. Contrary to popular belief, fertile residents appear to be largely immune to miscarriage. Infertility and recurrent miscarriage have been linked to oxidative stress in women living at high altitudes. Oxidative Stress (OS) affects gametes and their interactions. The regulation of gamete quality and gamete interaction is aided by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS has been implicated in oocyte formation, maturation, follicular atresia, corpus luteum function, and luteolysis in numerous human investigations. Pathologies in the female reproductive system that are precipitated by OS are comparable to those that cause male infertility. The quality of the egg and embryo, and consequently the rate of fertilization, is influenced by OS. Assisted reproductive treatments, such as IVF and ICSI, are high-tech procedures used to treat female infertility in a variety of situations. They can help women who are infertile due to causative reasons such as endometriosis or tubal factor infertility, as well as people who are infertile for no apparent reason.