Informative value of oxidative stress markers in predicting outcomes of infertility treatment using ART methods

Objective: To assess the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the peripheral blood and follicular fluid in women with various types of infertility and to identify the informative value of these markers of oxidative stress in predicting the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) up to 12 weeks gestation. Materials and methods: A total of 75 patients received ART treatment for infertility. The level of ROS was measured in the peripheral blood and follicular fluid of all patients by means of the FORM 3000 device using the FORT kit. The level of TAC was determined in the peripheral blood and follicular fluid of 45 patients by means of the FORM 3000 device using the FORD kit. Results: The likelihood of implantation was higher in women with higher levels of ROS in the follicular fluid (p=0.024). A positive correlation between the level of ROS in the follicular fluid and body mass index (BMI) was identified. There was a correlation between the level of ROS in the peripheral blood and the follicular fluid of patients, therefore, it was possible to determine the level of oxidative stress only in one biological fluid. The level of ROS in the follicular fluid of patients who had implantation and ongoing pregnancy up to 12 weeks was higher compared to the patients who had implantation failure and pregnancy loss up to 12 weeks, respectively. The level of TAC in these fluids was higher in the groups of patients who had pregnancy loss up to 12 weeks gestation and implantation failure in comparison with the pregnant patients. The measurement of ROS and TAC is not interchangeable. Conclusion: According to the data on the parameters of oxidative stress, the levels of ROS and TAC have an influence on the outcomes of ART treatment. It is necessary to continue studying oxidative stress in patients with various types of infertility in order to develop a mathematical model for predicting the results of ART treatment and improving the preconception care of couples prior to infertility treatment.

oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity, infertility, follicular fluid, peripheral blood, assisted reproductive technologies