Effect of antioxidants on oocyte morphology and function in rats in systemic inflammatory process

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of antioxidants on the morphological and functional properties of oocytes in rats under conditions of systemic inflammation, focusing on their potential to reduce oxidative stress and improve reproductive health. A female rats at three weeks of age were used as experimental models and divided into three groups: control, systemic inflammation-induced, and antioxidant-treated groups. Human chorionic gonadotropin was administered to stimulate superovulation, and oocytes were isolated for analysis. Morphological changes in oocytes were assessed using immunofluorescence staining, while mitochondrial function and oxidative stress were evaluated using JC-1 dye detection kit. Fertilisation rates and oocyte maturation stages were compared among the groups. All experiments adhered to international ethical standards for animal research. Systemic inflammation led to ovarian atrophy, decreasing ovarian weight to 0.3 g, which reflects a reduction in follicle number and oocyte quality. This resulted in a 30% reduction in fertilisation rates. Antioxidant therapy helped restore ovarian weight to 0.4 g, improving oocyte morphology and increasing the proportion of oocytes achieving metaphase to 75%, demonstrating the protective effect of antioxidants. The fertilisation rate improved to 65% in the antioxidant-treated group, indicating a protective effect against oxidative damage and inflammation. The findings highlight the potential of antioxidants in modulating apoptosis pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing mitochondrial function, which collectively improved oocyte quality and reproductive outcomes. Antioxidant therapy demonstrated substantial benefits in mitigating the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation on oocytes, promoting normal maturation and increasing fertilisation success. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of antioxidants for treating infertility associated with inflammatory conditions