Abstract
Gametes and embryos are natural sources of free radicals. When manipulated in vitro during assisted reproductive techniques, these cells run the risk of generating and being exposed to supraphysiological levels of reactive oxygen species. It is therefore clear that free radicals and oxidative stress can have a significant impact on IVF outcome. This review summarizes the role of oxidative stress in the etiology and pathophysiology of human IVF, as well as considering different strategies and approaches to be followed to prevent the harmful effects of oxidative stress on IVF.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors are grateful to Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute and Ob–Gyn and Women’s Health Institute for their support of our research. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.
