The effect of follicular fluid reactive oxygen species on the outcome of in vitro fertilization

Objective-To examine the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the f ollicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and identi fy its role in pregnancy outcome. Study Design-In this prospective study, R OS and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were measured by the chemilu minescence method in the follicular fluid of 53 women. Age, number of oocyt es recovered, percentage of oocytes fertilized, ROS and TAC levels were com pared in women who did and did not become pregnant. Results-Patients who be come pregnant had significantly higher log-transformed ROS levels (1.01 +/- 0.14, P = 0.03) than those who did not (0.69 +/- 0.08). Women with endomet riosis or male factor infertility who became pregnant had significantly hig her ROS levels (1.44 +/- 0.23 and 1.31 +/- 0.19) than those who did not (0. 60 +/- 0.17 and 0.67 +/- 0.16; P < .006 and P < .01). Conclusion-Follicular fluid ROS, at low concentrations, may be a potential marker for predicting success in IVF patients.