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Effects of Combination of Melatonin and L-Carnitine on in Vitro Maturation in Mouse Oocytes: An Experimental Study Publisher



Chegini R1 ; Sadeghi M2 ; Shirian S3, 4 ; Sabbaghziarani F5 ; Aali E5 ; Soleimani P6 ; Majelan MRA5 ; Zafari F5 ; Darabi S5
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Human Genetic Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
  4. 4. Shiraz Molecular Pathology Research Center, Dr. Daneshbod Path Lab, Shiraz, Iran
  5. 5. Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
  6. 6. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran

Source: International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine Published:2024


Abstract

Background: Melatonin and L-carnitine are free radical scavengers with antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties that improve oocyte development. Objective: This study aimed to find the possible effect of combining 2 antioxidant agents of melatonin and L-carnitine on oocyte morphology, maturation, apoptosis, and expression of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) genes in a mice model. Materials and Methods: To overstimulation, 60 female NMRI mice were injected intraperitoneally using mare serum gonadotropin. On day 2 post-injection, 70 cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from each mouse. The collected oocytes randomly were then divided into 4 groups including, the control, melatonin, L-carnitine, and melatonin + L-carnitine groups. The morphology and maturation rate of the oocytes was evaluated using a light microscope. Apoptosis was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay and the expression of BMP-15 and growth and differentiation factor GDF-9 genes was also evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Oocyte diameter significantly was increased in combination treatment of L-carnitine and melatonin compared to other groups (p < 0.05). L-carnitine group showed the highest mean percentage of oocyte cytoplasmic pattern. Results of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling indicated that the lowest apoptosis rate belonged to the melatonin + L-carnitine group. Moreover, the combination groups showed the highest number of oocytes and maturation rate. The BMP-15 and GDF-9 genes were significantly upregulated in all treatment groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: Our results suggested a combination of melatonin + L-carnitine administration as a more effective choice for in vitro promotion of oocyte maturation. © 2024, Research and Clinical Center for Infertitlity. All rights reserved.