Combined Effects of Melatonin and L-Carnitine on Mouse Oocyte Morphology, Maturation and Apoptosis in Culture Condition

Background: Melatonin and L-carnitine are the free radicalscavenger, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant agents that are contributedto the improvement of oocyte development. The aim ofthis study was to evaluate the role of combination application ofthe two anti-oxidant agents on oocyte morphology, maturation,and apoptosis in mice.Materials and Methods: Oocytes were harvested from miceovaries after overstimulation, and after treatment of the cellswith a combination of melatonin and L-carnitine, they were assessedfor morphology, apoptosis, and maturation.Results: Combination therapy increased oocyte diameter (P≤۰.۰۰۳ vs. control). The highest percentage of oocyte cytoplasmicpattern belonged to the L-carnitine group. Melatonin treatmentshowed the lowest rate of DNA fragmentation and thehighest rate for the number of oocytes and their maturation rate.Conclusion: Although, we found almost no significant differencesbetween combination therapy with using either melatoninor L-carnitine alone, our results are in favor of melatoninadministration as a better choice for the promotion of oocytematuration in vitro.

کلیدواژه ها:

In Vitro Maturation (IVM) ، Oocyte ، L-Carnitine ، Melatonin ، Mouse