Oxidative stress markers in follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of lipid and protein peroxidation markers, in the follicular fluids (FF) of 82 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This included, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl, and thiol groups. The oxidative stress markers were compared between the pregnancy positive and pregnancy negative patient groups. The two patient groups were compared in terms of their age, body mass index (BMI), cause of infertility, and the plasma hormone levels (AMH, E-2, peak E-2). Protein carbonyl and thiol groups were estimated using an ELISA assay and with Ellman's reagent (5, 5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid, DTNB), respectively. The mean FF TBARS level of 29 pregnant women was 0.954 +/- 0.420 mu mol/l, whereas it was twice as high (1.961 +/- 0.796 mu mol/l) in a group of 53 non-pregnant patients (p < 0.0001). In non-pregnant patients, we observed 2-fold elevated levels of protein carbonyl groups when compared to pregnant women (2.969 +/- 0.723 vs. 1.523 +/- 0.254; p < 0.0001). The mean age of women and BMI were significantly higher in the pregnancy negative vs. pregnancy positive group. There were no significant differences in protein thiols and in the levels of the hormones tested between patient groups. Our results demonstrate that elevated FF lipid and protein peroxidation level may have a negative impact on IVF outcome. The findings support the idea that increased level of oxidative stress markers in follicular fluid may play an important role in fertility.