Current Advances in Bovine In Vitro Maturation and Embryo Production Using Different Antioxidants: A Review

J Dev Biol. 2023 Aug 29;11(3):36. doi: 10.3390/jdb11030036.

Abstract

In vitro maturation (IVM) is one of the most important steps in in vitro embryo production (IVEP). It is a complicated procedure in which nuclear and cytoplasmatic changes in oocytes appear. In order to carry out the in vitro maturation procedure correctly, it is necessary to provide the oocytes with as close to a natural (in vivo) environment as possible. Many factors contribute to the overall poor quality of in vitro-matured oocytes. One important factor may be oxidative stress (OS). The generation of oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species, is common under culture conditions. The solution for OC treatment and prevention is antioxidants. In the last 5 years, many studies have examined different antioxidants and their effects on in vitro maturation of oocytes and embryo production. The aim of this systematic review was to present the achievements of scientific research in the last five years, in which the effects of many antioxidants were tested on bovine oocyte maturation and embryo production.

Keywords: antioxidants; bovine oocytes; embryo production; in vitro maturation; oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This project was financed in 85% by FEDER and in 15% with regional funds through the Programa Operacional Açores 2020 (Operational Program Azores 2020), in scope of the project BEMAP-ET-ACORES-01-0145-FEDER-000026.