Melatonin: shedding light on infertility?--A review of the recent literature - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

Melatonin: shedding light on infertility?--A review of the recent literature

Shavi Fernando et al. J Ovarian Res. 2014.

Abstract

In recent years, the negative impact of oxidative stress on fertility has become widely recognised. Several studies have demonstrated its negative effect on the number and quality of retrieved oocytes and embryos following in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Melatonin, a pineal hormone that regulates circadian rhythms, has also been shown to exhibit unique oxygen scavenging abilities. Some studies have suggested a role for melatonin in gamete biology. Clinical studies also suggest that melatonin supplementation in IVF may lead to better pregnancy rates. Here we present a critical review and summary of the current literature and provide suggestions for future well designed clinical trials.

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Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Actions of melatonin and its metabolites. Extrapolated from Hardeland [46], Reiter et al. [13] and Watson [47]. GPx: glutathione peroxidase; SOD: superoxide dismutase; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; RNS: Reactive nitrogen species.

Figure 2

Figure 2

Relative concentrations of plasma melatonin, LH, estradiol and progesterone in hMG/hCG treated cycles. Adapted with permission from Tang et al. [59]. LH: Luteinising hormone.

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