ABSTRACT

To investigate the biochemical markers such as nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), indicators of the oxidative status of the follicle, to predict the outcome of in vitro fertilization.

Follicular aspirates of dominant follicles were collected during oocyte retrieval. Biochemical analyses of NO, MDA and GSH were performed on all aspirates.

When the successful and unsuccessful pregnancy groups were compared in terms of NO, MDA and GSH, follicular fluid MDA was significantly higher (p=0.001) and follicular fluid NO level was significantly lower (p=0.039) in the pregnant group. Correlation analysis between oxidative stress and IVF parameters showed that MDA had a positive weak correlation with the number of grade 1 embryos (r=0.271, p=0.033) and fertilization rate (r=0.263, p=0.039). ROC curve analysis found that malondialdehyde has an area under the curve of 0.74 and can predict pregnancy with high sensitivity.

As malondialdehyde was significantly different in pregnant and non-pregnant women and had a good sensitivity profile in predicting pregnancy, it may be considered a marker for predicting IVF success.

Keywords: Follicular fluid, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione, in vitro fertilization, pregnancy