IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION: OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANTS

Abstract

The continuous and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (EROs) associated with the depletion of intracellular concentration of glutathione (GSH) are the main cause of low efficiency of in vitro embryo production (PIV) in several animal species. It is due the in vitro culture conditions and the absence of the maternal antioxidant defense system. Among the deleterious effects of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation has been related to the development block and reduction of the oocyte and embryo viability. In this context, the supplementation of the in vitro culture media with thiol compound has been proposed in order to reduce losses resulting from oxidative stress. Thus, considering the topic relevance, this review aims to provide better understanding of the biochemical events involved in the EROs formation, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system glutathione reductase/peroxidase, focusing on oocytes and embryos, and to discuss alternatives to improve the PIV efficiency.