The study investigates how the environment surrounding eggs, particularly the follicular fluid, influences fertilization and embryo development in couples undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
It analyzes oxidative stress markers—specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and lipid peroxidation (LPO)—in the semen, blood serum, and follicular fluid of 208 infertile couples.
Findings indicate high levels of follicular fluid SOD and catalase correlate with fertilization and cleavage rates, while increased LPO in follicular fluid is negatively linked to pregnancy rates, suggesting it could reflect metabolic activity necessary for pregnancy.