IVF Technique and its Relationship with Ovarian Reserve Based on Melatonin Level in Follicular Fluid

Background & Objective: Melatonin plays a role in pubertal development and reproductive function through the hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonadal axis. In addition, melatonin production decreases with aging, so that indolamine could be an anti-ageing agent. The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the role of intra follicular melatonin level in ovarian reserve and IVF cycle outcomes. Materials & Methods: This prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to April 2023. Patients on a mini-long agonist, short agonist, and antagonist protocols were enrolled in the study. Using ultrasound, follicle development was observed from the stimulation day until the hCG day (done every 2 or 3 days). Results: Melatonin levels were positively correlated with oocyte retrieved (r=0.705, P<0.001), number of fertilized oocyte (r=0.68, P<0.001), number of zygotes cleaved (r=0.660, P<0.001), high quality embryos (r=0.591, P<0.001), embryos for transplantation (r=0.604, P<0.001), percent of high quality embryos (r=0.58, P<0.001), and percent of blastocyst rate. Conclusion: Melatonin mean levels in follicular fluid significantly decreased in poor response than in standard and high response. The follicular fluid melatonin levels were associated with each oocyte quantity and quality and can expect ICSI consequences and act as highly important biochemical indicators of ovarian reserve.