The Anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of melatonin and L-carnitine combination on in vitro maturation rate, morphology and apoptosis of mouse oocytes

Background and Objective: Melatonin and L-carnitine are free radical scavengers, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant agents that contribute to improvement of oocyte development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of combination of the two antioxidant agents on oocyte morphology, maturation and apoptosis in mice. Materials and Method: After over stimulation, oocytes were harvested from mice ovaries and treated with a combination of melatonin and L-carnitine. The morphology, maturation rate and apoptosis of the oocytes were then evaluated using a light microscope and TUNEL assay. Findings: Combination therapy with of melatonin and L-carnitine increased oocyte diameter (P ≤ 0.003). The highest percentage of oocyte cytoplasmic pattern belonged to the L-carnitine group. Results of TUNEL test indicated that apoptosis rate was the lowest in the melatonin group. Moreover, the highest number of oocytes and maturation rate were observed in this group.Conclusion: Although there were almost no significant differences between combination therapy and treatment with either melatonin or L-carnitine, these results are in favor of melatonin administration as a more effective choice for in vitro promotion of oocyte maturation.

کلیدواژه ها:

In vitro maturation (IVM) ، Melatonin ، L-carnitine ، Oocyte.