L-arginine supplementation attenuates ovarian oxidative stress in female rats subjected to chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Background: Systemic and organ-specific oxidative stress triggered by hypoxia is suggested to play a key role in germ cell apoptosis and DNA damage. This study was designed to investigate the impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on female fertility and evaluate the potential antioxidant effect of L-arginine (L-Arg) supplementation.

Methods: Adult female rats were allocated into three groups: controls (normoxic), hypoxic and hypoxic supplemented with L-Arg.