Oxidative balance in follicular fluid of ART patients of advanced maternal age and blastocyst formation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the follicular fluid oxidative balance of infertile patients of advanced-maternal-age and the correlation between oxidative imbalance in the follicular fluid and the embryological outcomes. Methods: Follicular fluid (FF) from infertile patients of advanced-maternal-age undergoing ART treatments were collected and frozen in cryovials at -86°C until further use, and analyzed at the Biochemistry and Nutrition Institute of San Marcos University. As controls, we used FF from oocyte donors. The FF was then assayed for oxidative balance by ABTS, FRAP and TBARS assays. In order to establish the correlation between oxidative balance and embryo quality, we correlated the number of usable blastocysts (freshly transferred or frozen blastocysts) with the results from ABTS, FRAP and TBARS. Results: Follicular fluid from patients of Advanced-maternal-age (AMA group) significantly differed from the values found in the control group; the ABTS value was higher and the FRAP value was lower, in comparison to the FF from oocyte donors (control group). The lipid peroxidation was not different between those two groups. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation among the results of the assays, or when correlated with the proportion of usable blastocysts. Conclusion: Ovarian oxidative balance seems to be critical for oocyte quality in advanced-maternal-age patients; however, we still need more studies on oxidative stress indicators, on a larger set of patients.

Impact of Maternal Age on Singleton Birthweight in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles

“…It is generally known that with aging comes a reduction in ovarian function, resulting in the decrease of ovarian response to ovulation-promoting drugs and the low number of oocytes retrieved ( 26 ). Additionally, the decreased quality of oocytes ( 27 , 28 ), abnormal endometrial function, and degeneration of multiple organ function will appear in women with advanced maternal age ( 22 , 29 ). All the above-mentioned factors would affect the development of the embryo and cause adverse effects on the newborn, leading to LBW.…”

Association between paternal age and singleton birthweight in frozen embryo transfer cycles

“…This phenomenon may be caused by sperm DNA damage because of methylation and exposure to reactive oxygen species [34,35]. The age of the spouse also increases with paternal age, leading to reduced in ovarian function, decreased ovarian response to ovulation promoting drugs [14], decline in the quality of oocytes [36,37], abnormal endometrial function and degeneration of multiple organs function [13,38]. Neonatal outcomes in ART would be affected by the abovementioned factors.…”

Impact of maternal age on birthweight in frozen embryo transfer cycles: an analysis including 12565 singleton newborns

“…It is generally known that with aging comes a reduction in ovarian function, resulting in the decrease of ovarian response to ovulation promoting drugs and the low number of oocytes retrieved [26]. Additionally, the decreased quality of oocytes [27,28], abnormal endometrial function and degeneration of multiple organs function will appear in women with advanced maternal age [22,29]. All the above mentioned factors would affect the development of embryo and cause adverse effects on the newborn, leading to LBW.…”