Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Genetic Physiopathology and Biotechnology, Ain Chock Faculty of Sciences, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco

2 In vitro Fertilization Center IRIFIV, Iris Clinic, Casablanca, Morocco

3 Labomac In Vitro Fertilization Center and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract

Background: Oxidative/nitrosative stress in the oocyte microenvironment could have an impact on intracytoplasmic
sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can
stimulate the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to chronic inflammation and potentially affecting embryo as
well as oocyte quality. This study aimed to examine the relationship of lipid peroxidation [measured by the malondialdehyde
(MDA) assay] with protein carbonyl [measured by the 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) assay] levels in cumulus cells
(CCs), as well as nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite (ONOO-), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in follicular fluid (FF).
The potential relationship of these levels with ICSI outcomes was also evaluated.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 63 FF samples and their corresponding CCs were collected for
ICSI procedures. Spectrophotometry was used to assess levels of DNPH, MDA, NO, and ONOO-. CRP levels were
evaluated using an immunoturbidimetric assay.
Results: The patients under 37 years with normal ovarian reserve had significantly lower levels of MDA, DNPH,
NO, ONOO-, and CRP compared to those over 37 years. Additionally, we observed higher levels of MDA, DNPH,
NO, ONOO-, and CRP in the group with an oocyte maturity rate of less than 60%. No significant difference was observed
between the DNPH levels and factors such as infertility duration, embryo quality, pregnancy, or the number of
retrieved oocytes. A higher level of MDA, NO, ONOO-, and CRP was found to be significantly related to the lower
number of retrieved oocytes, longer periods of infertility, poor embryo quality, and negative pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusion: Oxidative/nitrosative stress, linking to inflammation in the oocyte microenvironment, can be considered
as a potentially useful biomarker for assessing the development and competence of oocytes and embryos and predicting
ICSI outcomes.

Keywords

Main Subjects