SELENIUM-DEPENDENT GLUTATHIONE-PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN FOLLICULAR-FLUID

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the follicular fluid seleniu m status of in vitro fertilization patients in relation to their indiv idual characteristics and treatment outcome. A total of 135 samples of follicular fluid were collected from 112 patients during transvaginal oocyte retrieval. Selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity were measured in follicular fluid (FF) and blood serum. A sel enium dependent GSHPx activity in follicular fluid has been demonstrat ed. Patients with unexplained infertility had significantly decreased follicular selenium levels as compared with those with tubal infertili ty or male factor. The mean GSHPx activity in follicles yielding oocyt es which were subsequently fertilized exceeded that of the follicles w ith non-fertilized oocytes. Tobacco smoking resulted in significantly diminished follicular GSHPx activity. The Se/GSHPx pattern of the FF s eems to be significant for the evaluation of the follicular milieu.