Reactive oxygen species in follicular fluid may serve as biochemical markers to determine ovarian aging and follicular metabolic age

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the process of ovarian aging.

Methods: Follicular fluid (FF) from two randomly selected sibling follicles was collected from women undergoing in-vitro fertilization and tested for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels.

Results: Group A consists of seven women with whom each of the two sibling separate follicle yielded an oocyte that was later discordantly developed to a low- and top-quality embryo. Group B consists of 13 patients in whom one of the sibling follicle yielded an oocyte while the other did not (empty follicle).

High-quality embryos were derived from follicles with lower H₂O₂ levels compared to follicles from which poor-quality embryos developed (1.004 units?±?0.260 versus 1.145 units?±?0.236, p?2O₂ levels were significantly higher (0.951 units?±?0.233 versus 0.623 units?±?0.309, p?Conclusion: During the process of ovarian ageing, there might be a gradual increase in H₂O₂ level in the follicle. Finally, when the follicle ages and becomes empty of oocyte H₂O₂ levels drops significantly. Therefore, H₂O₂ levels in FF may serve as a possible marker to determine ovarian aging and follicular metabolic age.