The role of oxidative stress on oocyte yield in women undergoing in vitro fertilization at a tertiary centre in Benin City

Over the years, infertility and its management have been a global challenge of public health concern. Approximately 5-8% of couples globally experience an inability to achieve pregnancy within a year of regular sexual intercourse. Infertility affects couples' harmonious existence adversely in all spheres, economically, socially, emotionally as well as mentally. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology is one of the advances in the management of infertility. This technology has been able to help couples achieve their fertility desires. Despite the advancement in IVF, the success rate is still low. This study aimed to determine the effect of oxidative stress on oocyte yield among women undergoing IVF. This prospective cross-sectional study involved women undergoing oocyte retrieval for IVF procedures. An assay of antioxidant enzymes Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) and catalase was carried out on follicular fluid samples collected during oocyte retrieval. Relevant data were obtained from the study participants. They were grouped into good, poor, and no oocyte yield; the levels of oxidative stress markers were analyzed. There was a statistically significant higher level of antioxidant enzymes in women with good oocyte yield compared to those with poor and no oocyte yield (SOD 0.56±0.06 vs 0.47±0.10, vs 0.40±0.14, p<0.0001; catalase 0.30±0.07 vs 0.20±0.06 vs 0.12±0.06, p<0.0001, GPX 1.17±0.16 vs 0.86±0.20 vs 0.66±0.18, p<0.0001). There was a positive correlation between oocyte quality, oocyte maturation and levels of antioxidant enzymes (r=0.42 SOD, 0.69 catalase, 0.68 GPX). Younger participants (<30 years) and those with normal Body Mass Index (BMI) had good oocyte yield compared to older participants and those who were overweight/obese (68.8% vs 38.5%, p<0.001, and 64.8% vs 37.0% p=0.01), respectively. This study suggests that oocyte yield, quality and maturation are affected by oxidative stress within the follicular fluid, as individuals with good oocyte yield, maturity and quality had higher mean levels of antioxidant enzymes in their follicular fluid.