Action mechanisms of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the oocyte maturation and developmental competence: Potential advantages and disadvantages

Infertility is a growing problem worldwide. Currently, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is widely performed to treat infertility. However, a high percentage of IVF cycles fails, due to the poor developmental potential of the retrieved oocyte to generate viable embryos. Fatty acid content of the follicular microenvironment can affect oocyte maturation and the subsequent developmental competence. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are mainly used by follicle components as primary energy sources whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a wide range of roles. A large body of evidence supports the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs in prevention, treatment, and amelioration of some pathophysiological conditions including heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and psychological disorders. Nevertheless, current findings regarding the effects of n-3 PUFAs on reproductive outcomes in general and on oocyte quality more specifically are inconsistent. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of potential molecular mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs affect oocyte maturation and developmental competence, particularly in the setting of IVF and thereby aims to elucidate the reasons behind current discrepancies around this topic.