Melatonin as a free radical scavenger in the ovarian follicle.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of melatonin on reproductive physiology, particularly its role as an antioxidant within ovarian follicles.
Results Summary
Melatonin reduced oxidative stress in follicles, improved oocyte maturation, embryo development, and luteinization of granulosa cells. Clinical studies showed increased fertilization and pregnancy rates, as well as enhanced progesterone production in infertile women with luteal phase defects.
Population
Infertile women, particularly those with luteal phase defects.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | decrease | oxidative stress | - | - | reduces | #1 |
melatonin | increase | oocyte maturation | - | - | contribute to | #2 |
melatonin | increase | embryo development | - | - | contribute to | #3 |
melatonin | increase | luteinization of granulosa cells | - | - | contribute to | #4 |
melatonin treatment | increase | intra-follicular melatonin concentrations | infertile women | - | increases | #5 |
melatonin treatment | decrease | intra-follicular oxidative damage | infertile women | - | reduces | #6 |
melatonin treatment | increase | fertilization rates | infertile women | - | elevates | #7 |
melatonin treatment | increase | pregnancy rates | infertile women | - | elevates | #8 |
melatonin treatment | increase | progesterone production by corpus luteum | infertile women with luteal phase defect | - | improves | #9 |
This review summarizes new findings related to beneficial effects of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) on reproductive physiology. Recently many researchers have begun to study the local role of melatonin as an antioxidant. We focused on intra-follicular role of melatonin in the ovary. Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, is taken up into the follicular fluid from the blood. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced within the follicles, during the ovulatory process. Melatonin reduces oxidative stress as an antioxidant, and contribute to oocyte maturation, embryo development and luteinization of granulosa cells. Our clinical study demonstrated that melatonin treatment for infertile women increases intra-follicular melatonin concentrations, reduces intra-follicular oxidative damage, and elevates fertilization and pregnancy rates. Melatonin treatment also improves progesterone production by corpus luteum in infertile women with luteal phase defect. Melatonin treatment could become a new cure for improving oocyte quality and luteal function in infertile women.