Success Of Assisted Reproductive Techniques Research Articles

Decline in Female Fertility After 40 Years

Abstract Important factor related to the conception possibility is women age. The decline in fertility with aging is proven and evident in literature. Infertility is increasing and many couples seek help in advanced techniques such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) in order to overcome the problem caused by aging, but the quality of the oocytes is a significant limiting factor. With the aging the quantity and quality of oocytes decreases, such as the quality of the embryo after fertilization. The accelerated rhythm of life, liberty and women inclusion in all kinds of professions brought many benefits to women, but also increasingly postponing births. Each person is unique individual, and can be more or less fertile compared to the average at same age. Unfortunately, some women has a rapid decline in fertility - accelerate aging, very early, already in the early twenties and when testing them with different methods and exams, the result is very low number of oocytes, low value of anti-Müllerian hormone and also very poor quality of these oocytes, or low ovarian reserve. The problem is that when you have accelerate aging, even IVF techniques can not be of great help in achieving pregnancy. The pregnancy rate (17,65%) and the childbirth rate (5,88%) with the patients older than 40 is very low, although comparable to the data from the scientific literature and speaks in favour of the fact that the success of assisted reproductive techniques is very modest with women older than 44.

The casual effect of lifestyle factors on outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques: a protocol study on Iranian infertile couples

BackgroundAttention to additional factors affecting the success of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) is very important and with appropriate interventions in some of these factors, success rate can be as high as improve a lot. There is a lot of evidence that lifestyle factors can influence on ARTs outcomes. Current knowledge of the effect of combined effect of several lifestyle factors on the outcomes of ARTs is low and contradictory. The importance of the causality of this phenomenon is felt by the pandemic of inappropriate lifestyle as well as the dramatic increase in infertility in the world. The aim of this cohort study is to scrutinize the casual effect of a specific range of contemporary lifestyle factors on ARTs outcomes.MethodsA prospective cohort study will be conducted in Royan institute, Tehran, Iran. Each infertile couple will be monitored from the first visit to the end of treatment cycle. The data will be collected electronically and include the following: detailed interview about lifestyle and socioeconomic status, past medical history, general physical examination, assessment of menstrual and ovulatory status, assessment of tuboperitoneal, assessment of uterine, assessment of cervix, urogenital examination, semen analysis, anti-sperm antibodies, biochemical analysis, sperm-cervical mucus contact test, in vitro cervical mucus penetration test and sperm functional assays. To estimate the casual effect of lifestyle variables on clinical pregnancy and live birth, the obtained propensity score (PS) from generalized boosted models (GBM) will be matched between couple with and without live birth.DiscussionThis is the first study to prospectively obtain detailed information on causes of ARTs success. Determining the casual effect of lifestyle variables on ARTs success will be important to inform strategies most likely to increase the success rates in ARTs.

Sexually transmitted infections and male fertility

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are common worldwide and can cause impairment of fertility. In women pelvic inflammatory disease with subsequent tubal sterility is well-documented but the influence of STI on male fertility is still controversely discussed OBJECTIVE: The effects of various bacterial and viral STI on male fertility are discussed. An evaluation of the international literature up to 30 April 2018 was carried out including studies on larger collectives from the Asiatic region. There is still an inconsistent picture of the influence of various bacterial and viral STI on male fertility. Direct or indirect evidence of the impact of a pathogen alone on the quality of ejaculates could not be clearly demonstrated; however, there are indications of a negative effect by Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species in large Asiatic collectives. The transmission of viral pathogens, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) possible impairs the success of assisted reproductive techniques. In contrast, manifest inflammatory processes of the male genital tract caused by STI (in particular Chlamydia and gonococci) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections often result in impairment of sperm qualtity. In cases of male fertility disorders a microbiological clarification is recommended. Further studies on the effect of STI on male fertility in larger collectives are necessary, particularly for Caucasian populations. The utilization of existing preventive measures, such as screening for Chlamydia in young women and HPV vaccination also for young males, should be intensively promoted.

120 ANTRAL FOLLICLE COUNT OF 2-YEAR-OLD MARES IS HIGHLY CORRELATED WITH ANTI-MÜLLERIAN HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS AT 24 to 28 WEEKS OF AGE

Success of assisted reproductive techniques, as determined by the response to hormonal treatments and embryo quality, can successfully be predicted by the concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in plasma of several species. Being able to predict ovarian follicular reserve of prepubertal female horses (fillies) would help to select fertile broodmares and reduce costs associated with animal upkeep. The objectives of this work were to (1) assess AMH dynamics in female horses during the first year of life and (2) determine whether AMH concentrations detected in plasma of prepubertal fillies are correlated with AMH concentrations and antral follicle count (AFC) after puberty. Warmblood fillies (n = 14) born from February to May of 1 year in the same stud were used. Blood samples for AMH determinations were collected from birth onward every 4 weeks up to the age of 1 year. At 2 years, blood samples were collected and AFC was determined by transrectal ultrasonography. The AMH concentrations were determined by ELISA (AL-115, Ansh Laboratories, Webster, TX, USA). Transrectal ultrasonography was used to determine the AFC, which corresponds to the total number of antral follicles detected with ultrasound. Statistical analysis was done with the SPSS Statistics 24 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The AMH was detectable in the plasma of all animals from birth onward. At birth, mean AMH concentration was 4.5 ± 1.2 ng mL−1. The AMH concentration increased and peaked between 24 weeks (8.7 ± 4.4 ng mL−1) and 28 weeks (6.7 ± 2.1 ng mL−1) and subsequently decreased again (52 weeks: 3.9 ± 0.9 ng mL−1). Very high variation among individuals during the first year was lost at 2 years of age. The AMH concentration at 2 years was highly correlated with AMH concentration at birth (r = 0.62, P < 0.05) and with AFC (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). Also, AMH concentration (r = 0.73, P < 0.01) and AFC (r = 0.6, P < 0.05) at 2 years were highly correlated with AMH concentrations at 24 and 28 weeks. Gestational length (337 ± 1 days), parity of the dam (4.6 ± 0.8), and placental weight (6983 ± 352 g) did not influence AMH concentrations at any time. Our results demonstrate that AMH is detectable in blood of female horses from birth onward. Despite its high variability between individuals up to 52 weeks, strong correlations were observed during the first 2 years of life. High correlations to AFC at 2 years suggest that determination of AMH in prepubertal female horses helps to predict the ovarian reserve and fertility in postpubertal life.

The effect of intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin injection before embryo transfer on the implantation and pregnancy rate in infertile patients: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Implantation is one of the essential steps for the success of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Their success depends on three main factors: embryo quality, endometrial receptivity (ER), and synchrony between embryo and endometrium. There are various factors that regulate the complex process of implantation. In this regard, one may refer to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as the most important factor.

The effect of intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin injection before embryo transfer on the implantation and pregnancy rate in infertile patients: A randomized clinical trial

Implantation is one of the essential steps for the success of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Their success depends on three main factors: embryo quality, endometrial receptivity (ER), and synchrony between embryo and endometrium. There are various factors that regulate the complex process of implantation. In this regard, one may refer to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as the most important factor. This study aims to investigate the effect of intrauterine hCG injection before embryo transfer (ET) on pregnancy outcome in infertile couples. A total of 159 patients undergone In vitro Fertilization/ Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (IVF/ICSI) with an antagonist protocol were evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups (n=53). Group 1 received 500 IU of hCG, group 2 received 1000 IU of hCG intrauterine injection before ET, and the control group underwent ET without hCG preceding intrauterine injection. There was no significant difference among the groups. The implantation rates were 18.86%, 13.52%, and 14.37%, chemical pregnancy rates were 34%, 32.1%, and 35.3%, and clinical pregnancy rates were 34%, 32.1%, and 31.4% respectively. The pregnancy outcome in IVF/ICSI /ET cycles cannot be improved through hCG intrauterine injections before ET.

The impact of thyroid autoimmunity on IVF/ICSI outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is the most frequent autoimmune condition and the first cause of thyroid dysfunction among women of reproductive age. Notably, it has been associated with adverse obstetric outcomes during all trimesters of pregnancy. Furthermore, since most studies show an increased prevalence of TAI among women attending infertility clinics, a detrimental impact of this condition on natural fertility and on the rate of success of assisted reproductive techniqueshas been suggested. However, to date, the results have been inconsistent. The objective of this study was to define the relation between TAI per se and the outcome of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted. A Medline search was performed to identify all the comparative studies published from January 1990 to November 2015 in the English language literature on IVF/ICSI outcome in women with and without TAI, using combinations of the medical subject heading terms 'thyroid autoimmunity', 'thyroid autoantibodies', 'IVF', 'ICSI', 'pregnancy', 'miscarriage' and 'delivery'. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). Our secondary outcomes were number of oocytes retrieved (NOR), fertilisation rate (FR), implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and miscarriage rate (MR). We also extracted data on mean age and basal serum concentrations ofthyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and performed a meta-regression analysis to assess the effect of these two covariates on CPR and MR. We selected 12 studies for the meta-analysis. Six of the included studies were prospective cohort studies, and six were retrospective cohort studies. Compared with women with negative TAI, women with positive TAI had a lower LBR (odds ratio (OR) 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.54-0.99]; P = 0.04; 9 studies; 4396 women; I2 = 41%), a higher MR (OR 1.44; 95% CI [1.06-1.95]; P =0.02; 12 studies; 4876 women; I2=35%), a similar CPR (OR 0.90; 95% CI [0.77-1.06]; P =0.22; 12 studies; 4876 women; I2=7%), a similar number of oocytes (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.10; 95% CI [-0.09 to 0.29]; P =0.28; 5 studies; 1506 women; I2=47%), a similar FR (OR 1.11; 95% CI [0.97-1.27]; P =0.13; 3 studies; 1082 women; I2=0%) and a similar IR (OR 0.98; 95% CI [0.73-1.32]; P =0.91; 2 studies; 918 women; I2=0%). Both mean age (SMD 0.96; 95% CI [0.66-1.27]; P <0.00001; 9 studies; 3256 women; I2=85%) and serum TSH (SMD 0.24; 95% CI [0.15-0.34]; P <0.00001; 6 studies; 2098 women; I2=59%) were higher in women with TAI. However, neither of these two covariates were significantly associated with CPR or MR. TAI does not impact on IVF/ICSI outcome in terms of NOR and likelihood of fertilisation, implantation and clinical pregnancy. On the contrary, the presence of thyroid autoantibodies may have a detrimental effect on the course of a pregnancy, determining an increased risk of miscarriage and a decreased chance of live birth. However, given the possible modifying effects of age and serum TSH, further evidence is warranted prior to drawing inferences on causality.

Does the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists in natural IVF cycles for poor responder patients cause more harm than benefit?

Poor ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is one of the most critical factors that substantially limits the success of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs). Natural and modified natural cycle IVF are two options that could be considered as a last resort. Blocking gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) actions in the endometrium via GnRH receptor antagonism may have a negative impact on endometrial receptivity. We analysed IVF outcomes in 142 natural (n = 30) or modified natural (n = 112) IVF cycles performed in 82 women retrospectively. A significantly lower proportion of natural cycles reached follicular aspiration compared to modified natural cycles (56.7% vs. 85.7%, p < 0.001). However, the difference between the numbers of IVF cycles ending in embryo transfer (26.7% vs. 44.6%) was not statistically significant between natural cycle and modified natural IVF cycles. Clinical pregnancy (6.7% vs. 7.1%) and live birth rates per initiated cycle (6.7% vs. 5.4%) were similar between the two groups. Notably, the implantation rate was slightly lower in modified natural cycles (16% vs. 25%, p > 0.05). There was a trend towards higher clinical pregnancy (25% vs. 16%) and live birth (25% vs. 12%) rates per embryo transfer in natural cycles compared to modified natural cycles, but the differences did not reach statistical significance.

Classification of ostrich sperm characteristics

The success of assisted reproduction techniques is dependent on a sound foundation of understanding sperm characteristics to evaluate so as to improve semen processing. This study offers a descriptive basis for ostrich semen quality in terms of sperm function characteristics (SFC) that include motility, measured by computer assisted sperm analysis CASA (SCA®), viability (SYBR14/PI) and membrane integrity (hypo-osmotic swelling test). Relationships among these SFC’s were explored and described by correlations and regressions. Certain fixed effects including the dilution of semen, season, year and male associated with semen collection were interpreted for future applications. The seasonal effect on sperm samples collected throughout the year suggested that it is prudent to restrict collections to spring and summer when SFC’s and sperm concentration are maximized, compared to winter when these aspects of sperm quality are suppressed. Dilution of ejaculates helped to maintain important SFC’s associated with fertilization success. The SFC’s and sperm concentration varied among males, with specific males, having greater values for the percentage of motile (MOT) and progressively motile (PMOT) sperm, as well as sperm velocity (VCL, VSL, VAP) and linearity (LIN) variables. Males may thus be screened on these variables for inclusion in an artificial insemination (AI) programme to optimize fertility success rates.

Apoptosis-Related Factors in the Luteal Phase of the Domestic Cat and Their Involvement in the Persistence of Corpora Lutea in Lynx.

The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient gland formed in the ovary after ovulation and is the major source of progesterone. In the Iberian and Eurasian lynx, CL physiologically persist after parturition and retain their capacity to produce progesterone, thus suppressing the ovarian activity. This unique reproductive characteristic has a big impact on the success of assisted reproduction techniques in the endangered Iberian lynx. The mechanisms behind CL persistence are not yet understood and require extensive studies on potential luteotropic and luteolytic factors in felids. Because the apoptosis system has been shown to be involved in structural regression of CL in many species, we aimed to investigate the capacity of perCL to undergo apoptosis. In addition, we performed initial studies on the apoptosis system in the luteal phase of the domestic cat. No previous research on this system has been made in this species. Our factors of interest included agents of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, i.e., pro-survival B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and pro-apoptotic BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), the executioner caspase-3 (CASP3), as well as of the extrinsic pathway, i.e., pro-apoptotic receptor FAS, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its receptors (pro-apoptotic TNFRSF1A and pro-survival TNFRSF1B). We analyzed the relative mRNA levels of these factors, as well as protein localization of CASP3 and TNF during stages of pregnancy and the non-pregnant luteal phase in CL of domestic cats. The same factors were investigated in freshly ovulated CL (frCL) and perCL of Iberian and Eurasian lynx, which were histologically analyzed. All factors were present in the CL tissue of both domestic cat and lynx throughout all analyzed stages. The presence of pro-apoptotic factors BAX, CASP3, FAS and TNFRSF1A in perCL of the Eurasian and Iberian lynx might indicate the potential sensitivity of perCL to apoptotic signals. The expression of pro-survival factors BCL2 and TNFRSF1B was significantly higher in perCL compared to frCL of studied Iberian lynx, suggesting the potential involvement of these factors in the structural integrity of perCL. In both Iberian lynx and pregnant and non-pregnant domestic cats, the expression of TNFRSF1A was significantly higher in forming CL compared to other stages, suggesting the conserved involvement of this factor in the tissue reorganization during formation of the feline CL. The mRNA levels of CASP3 and TNFRSF1B were highest during regression stages of domestic cat CL. The current study provides initial results on the possible involvement of the apoptosis system in the structure and function of the feline CL and in its physiological persistence.

Prólogo al Simposio sobre Embarazo Múltiple

El Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión del Callao, Perú, organizó recientemente bajo la conducción del Dr. Rommel Lacunza un simposio sobre Embarazo Múltiple, un tema poco revisado, pero cuya ocurrencia ha existido a través de los tiempos, algo más en las 3 a 4 últimas décadas(1). Hace algunos años, Hellin postuló que el embarazo gemelar ocurría en la proporción de 1 en 89 nacimientos, y que los embarazos triples, cuádruples y de mayor orden aparecían en la relación 1 en 892, 1:893, 1:89n(2). En Inglaterra y Gales, la incidencia de embarazos múltiples aumentó de 10 por 1 000 en 1980 a 16 por 1 000 en 2009, señalándose como causa importante el éxito de las técnicas de reproducción asistida y la ocurrencia de embarazos múltiples hasta en 24% de los casos en que se empleó la fertilización in vitro(1). En un estudio peruano, la incidencia de embarazo múltiple fue 1,1% en 314 078 recién nacidos, aumentando a 2,7% cuando se asoció a la preeclampsia(3). En la Red Latinoamericana de Reproducción Asistida, en su reporte de 2012, la frecuencia de parto múltiple fue 30,2% (27,8% dobles y 2,4% triples y mayores) en 47 326 procedimientos(4).

Vacuoles in sperm head are not associated with head morphology, DNA damage and reproductive success

In this retrospective study of 873 men enrolled for assisted reproduction techniques, relationships between sperm quality parameters, motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), DNA damage and live birth rate were evaluated. The presence of vacuoles in the sperm heads was detected by MSOME. Either chromatin decondensation or DNA fragmentation was used to study DNA damage. Results show that age significantly affected some of the examined parameters. In particular, sperm concentration was positively correlated (R = 0.088; P = 0.01) and chromatin decondensation was negatively correlated (R = −0.102; P = 0.003) with age. Furthermore, live birth rate was significantly lower in men aged 40 years or older (P < 0.02) compared with the younger age groups. The presence of sperm head vacuoles was not associated with head morphology, main sperm quality parameters, DNA fragmentation and live birth rate. Considering sperm heads in relation to the shape (normal/abnormal) and vacuoles (presence/absence), no significant variations in the occurrence of vacuoles in either normal or abnormal heads were found. These data suggest that vacuoles are physiological features that do not alter sperm functionality, and it seems that MSOME is not necessary for increasing the success of assisted reproduction techniques.

Ejaculate oxidative stress is related with sperm DNA fragmentation and round cells.

Oxidative stress (OS) plays an essential role in male infertility aetiology by affecting sperm quality, function, and also the integrity of sperm DNA. The assessment of oxidative stress in semen may be an important tool to improve the evaluation of sperm reproductive capacity. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of any possible relation between the unbalance of oxidative stress caused by superoxide anion in the ejaculate with the presence of sperm DNA fragmentation and high concentration of round cells. 56 semen samples from males from couples suffering from infertility were evaluated according to World Health Organisation (WHO) 2010 guidelines. Oxidative stress levels from N1 (low) to N4 (high) were assessed in ejaculates using oxiSperm; DFI (sperm DNA fragmentation index) as assessed by the SCSA (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) was used for evaluation of sperm chromatin integrity. Our data show that high oxidative stress (N3-N4 levels) correlated positively with a DFI ≥ 30% (P = 0.0379) and round cells ≥1.500.000/mL (P = 0.0084). In conclusion, OS increases sperm DNA damage. Thus evaluation of semen OS extent of sperm DNA damage in infertile man could be useful to develop new therapeutic strategies and improve success of assisted reproduction techniques (ART).

Using UHF proximity loggers to quantify male–female interactions: A scoping study of estrous activity in cattle

Reproductive efficiency is an important determinant of profitable cattle breeding systems and the success of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in wildlife conservation programs. Methods of estrous detection used in intensive beef and dairy cattle systems lack accuracy and remain the single biggest issue for improvement of reproductive rates and such methods are not practical for either large-scale extensive beef cattle enterprises or free-living mammalian species. Recent developments in UHF (ultra high frequency) proximity logger telemetry devices have been used to provide a continuous pair-wise measure of associations between individual animals for both livestock and wildlife. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of using UHF telemetry to identify the reproductive cycle phenotype in terms of intensity and duration of estrus. The study was conducted using Belmont Red (interbred Africander Brahman Hereford–Shorthorn) cattle grazing irrigated pasture on Belmont Research Station, northeastern Australia. The cow-bull associations from three groups of cows each with one bull were recorded over a 7-week breeding season and the stage of estrus was identified using ultrasonography. Telemetry data from bull and cows, collected over 4 8-day logger deployments, were log transformed and analyzed by ANOVA. Both the number and duration of bull-cow affiliations were significantly (P<0.001) greater in estrous cows compared to anestrus cows. These results support the development of the UHF technology as a hands-off and noninvasive means of gathering socio-sexual information on both wildlife and livestock for reproductive management.

Regulatory T Cells: Regulators of Life

Pregnancy still represents one of the most fascinating paradoxical phenomena in science. Immediately after conception, the maternal immune system is challenged by the presence of foreign paternal antigens in the semen. This triggers mechanisms of recognition and tolerance that all together allow the embryo to implant and later the fetus to develop. Tolerance mechanisms to maintain pregnancy are of special interest as they defy the classical immunology rules. Several cell types, soluble factors, and immune regulatory molecules have been proposed to contribute to fetal tolerance. Within these, regulatory T cells (Treg) are one of the most studied immune cell populations lately. They are reportedly involved in fetal acceptance. Here, we summarize several aspects of Treg biology in normal and pathologic pregnancies focusing on Treg frequencies, subtypes, antigen specificity, and activity as well as on factors influencing Treg generation, recruitment, and function. This review also highlights the contribution of fetal Treg in tolerance induction and addresses the role of Treg in autoimmune diseases and infections during gestation. Finally, the potential of Treg as a predictive marker for the success of assisted reproductive techniques and for therapeutic interventions is discussed.

The relationship between maternal body fat and pre-implantation embryonic weight: Implications for survival and long-term development in an assisted reproductive environment

There can be little argument that embryo quality is one of the most critical factors in the success of assisted reproductive techniques. Yet the current methods of grading embryos are subjective at best. While a number of different groups have described more qualitative means of assessing embryo quality, the current standard remains morphology. Morphology has proven a good standard, but it does not allow for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities nor can it assess the biochemical status of the embryo prior to transfer. This laboratory recently described a method to estimate embryo weight and suggested weight might be a good indicator of biochemical status. The objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between maternal body composition and embryo weight and determine the influence maternal chemistry had on embryo development. The data continue to suggest that maternal body composition, especially body fat, influences the chemical nature of the embryo and may play a critical role in long-term survival.

Bed rest after embryo transfer: is it harmful?

Many interventions have been proposed to increase the success of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The most controversial is bed rest after embryo transfer (ET). Patients are frequently advised to restrict their physical activity (PA) during ART, and many fertility clinics recommend bed rest after ET for variable periods of time. It is the author's belief, however, that there is insufficient evidence to support the recommendation of bed rest after ET. In fact, accumulated data indicate that bed rest after ET or restriction of PA during ART not only fails to bring about benefits, but may actually be detrimental and associated with worse ART outcomes. As such, it is considered that the long-standing policy of bed rest after ET should be abandoned. Patients should not be encouraged to rest in bed after ET, and should maintain their routine PA during ART. If the practice is to be changed, it is important to recognize the reasons why patients tend to restrict their PA during this time period. Health professionals may play a key role in this context.

EFFECT OF SELENIUM PLUS VITAMIN E OR VITAMIN C ALONE ON IN VIVO FERTILITY, VIABILITY, FREEZABILITY AND CULTURE OF EMBRYOS IN RABBITS

SUMMARY In vivo fertility and embryos viability after cryopreservation is essential for the success of assisted reproductive techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of vitamin E (VE) +selenium (Se) or vitamin C (VC, as ascorbic acid) on in vivo fertility, embryos quality, freezing ability and culture of rabbit embryos. A total of 30 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit does and 10 NZW fertile bucks were used in this study. Rabbits were kept under the same condition and individually housed in metal cages. Rabbit does were divided into three similar groups, (n=10 each). Does in the 1 st group (G1) were considered as a control group without treatment. Does in the 2 nd (G2) and 3 rd (G3) groups were treated with 1% of VE+Se and 1% VC given in drinking water, respectively, for 15-18 days before mating. At the end of treatment period, experimental does were naturally mated by untreated bucks. After 72 h of mating, three does from each group were slaughtered and embryos were collected by flushing. At the end of pregnancy period, kindling rate (KR) and litter size (LS) and litter weight were recorded at birth and weaning. The recovered embryos from each group were washed, evaluated and preserved by verification method. Post-thawing embryos were in vitro cultured for assessing their ability to develop up to hatched blastocyst stage. Results showed that KR and LS at birth and weaning was higher (P<0.05) in G3 (80%, 9.29 and 8.86) than in G2 (70%, 7.86 and 7.57) and G1 (70%, 7.0 and 6.57), respectively. Average bunny weight at birth and weaning was higher in G2 and G3 than in G1. Embryo recovery rate after collection was not affected by treatment, being 89.3, 87.9 and 83.9, for G1, G2 and G3, respectively. Embryos of G3 showed the highest (P<0.05) percentage (92.3%) of viable embryos after recovery, normal embryos post-verification (95.8%) and hatched embryos (73.9%) post in vitro culture as compared to G1 (84.0, 90.5 and 52.6%, respectively). The corresponding percentages of embryos of G2 did not differ significantly from those in G1 and G3, being 86.3, 80.0 and 55.0%, respectively. In conclusion supplementing drinking water of rabbit does with 1% ascorbic acid within 15 days pre-conception is recommended to improve litter size and litter weight. Moreover it improves rabbit’s embryos quality embryos.

Female Infertility and Assisted Reproduction: Impact of Oxidative Stress-- An Update

Augmented levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that overpower the body’s antioxidant defenses result in oxidative stress (OS). Physiologically balanced levels of ROS and antioxidants maintain homeostasis in the body and allow for normal physiological processes to proceed. Physiological processes that involve oxygen consumption inevitably produce ROS. However, an overabundance of ROS leads to widespread injury to cells, and can damage DNA, lipid membranes, and proteins. An unfavorable reproductive environment hinders normal physiology secondary to this disruption of homeostasis. Infertility may be attributed to reproductive pathologies, leading to OS. Infertile couples often turn to assisted reproductive techniques (ART) to improve their chances for a successful pregnancy. In vitro techniques create an unfavorable environment for gametes and embryos by exposing them to a surplus of ROS in the absence of enzymatic antioxidant protection that normally exists in vivo. This article will review the currently available literature on the effects of ROS and OS on ART outcomes. The role of antioxidant supplementation of ART culture media continues to be a subject of interest to increase the likelihood for ART success. Keywords: Antioxidants, assisted reproduction, female infertility, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, Physiological processes, reproductive pathologies, gametes, embryos, Infertile couples

The effects of oxidative stress on female reproduction: a review.

Oxidative stress (OS), a state characterized by an imbalance between pro-oxidant molecules including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and antioxidant defenses, has been identified to play a key role in the pathogenesis of subfertility in both males and females. The adverse effects of OS on sperm quality and functions have been well documented. In females, on the other hand, the impact of OS on oocytes and reproductive functions remains unclear. This imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants can lead to a number of reproductive diseases such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and unexplained infertility. Pregnancy complications such as spontaneous abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preeclampsia, can also develop in response to OS. Studies have shown that extremes of body weight and lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and recreational drug use can promote excess free radical production, which could affect fertility. Exposures to environmental pollutants are of increasing concern, as they too have been found to trigger oxidative states, possibly contributing to female infertility. This article will review the currently available literature on the roles of reactive species and OS in both normal and abnormal reproductive physiological processes. Antioxidant supplementation may be effective in controlling the production of ROS and continues to be explored as a potential strategy to overcome reproductive disorders associated with infertility. However, investigations conducted to date have been through animal or in vitro studies, which have produced largely conflicting results. The impact of OS on assisted reproductive techniques (ART) will be addressed, in addition to the possible benefits of antioxidant supplementation of ART culture media to increase the likelihood for ART success. Future randomized controlled clinical trials on humans are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms through which OS affects female reproductive abilities, and will facilitate further explorations of the possible benefits of antioxidants to treat infertility.