Importance of Antioxidant Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation of Mammalian Oocytes

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In vitro embryo production (IVEP) is a technology that is widely used in the field of reproductive biology. The first and most important step of IVEP is termed in vitro maturation or IVM, in which the oocyte is allowed to mature in a synthetic medium under controlled laboratory settings. The quality of in vitro matured oocytes is still low compared to that of those matured inside an animal’s body. One of the key elements that was found to affect oocyte quality is the accumulation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within oocytes during IVM. The addition of antioxidants to oocyte IVM media is one of the most effective methods for preventing ROS accumulation. In this article, we highlight the latest events showing how ROS harms mammalian oocytes. We also discuss the possible impacts of antioxidant supplementation on the IVM rate and oocyte quality. ABSTRACT: The in vitro embryo production (IVEP) technique is widely used in the field of reproductive biology. In vitro maturation (IVM) is the first and most critical step of IVEP, during which, the oocyte is matured in an artificial maturation medium under strict laboratory conditions. Despite all of the progress in the field of IVEP, the quality of in vitro matured oocytes remains inferior to that of those matured in vivo. The accumulation of substantial amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within oocytes during IVM has been regarded as one of the main factors altering oocyte quality. One of the most promising approaches to overcome ROS accumulation within oocytes is the supplementation of oocyte IVM medium with antioxidants. In this article, we discuss recent advancements depicting the adverse effects of ROS on mammalian oocytes. We also discuss the potential use of antioxidants and their effect on both oocyte quality and IVM rate.