Evidence that carbonyl stress by methylglyoxal exposure induces DNA damage and spindle aberrations, affects mitochondrial integrity in mammalian oocytes and contributes to oocyte ageing.

Background: Highly reactive carbonyl compounds formed during glycolysis, such as methylglyoxal (MG), can lead to the formation of 'advanced glycation end products' (AGE) and carbonyl stress. Toxic AGEs are suspected to accumulate and play a role in reducing quality and developmental potential of mammalian oocytes of aged females and in PCOS and diabetic patients. Whether and how MG and AGE affect young and aged oocytes at the cellular level is unknown.