Evaluation of Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress Markers Related To Inflammation in The Cumulus Cells and Follicular Fluid of Women Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A Prospective Study.

Background: Oxidative/nitrosative stress in the oocyte microenvironment could have an impact on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can stimulate the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to chronic inflammation and potentially affecting embryo as well as oocyte quality. This study aimed to examine the relationship of lipid peroxidation [measured by the malondialdehyde (MDA) assay] with protein carbonyl [measured by the 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) assay] levels in cumulus cells (CCs), as well as nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite (ONOO), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in follicular fluid (FF).

Comparison between density gradient centrifugation method, an extended version of the horizontal swim up method and the combination of both for sperm selection.

Objective: To compare the degree of efficiency between density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method and an extended horizontal swim-up (SU) method.

Methods: A total of 97 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were divided into three aliquots and treated using DGC, extended horizontal SU, and combined methods.