Abstract
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Cellular Physiology |
| Volume | 234 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1016-1029 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| ISSN | 0021-9541 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 02.2019 |
Funding
This study was funded by Women's Reproductive Health Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Grant code: 9429). This study was funded by Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Grant code: 9429).
