ascorbic-acid and Infertility--Female

Benefit of micronutrient supplementation on female fertility.. Reports of randomized trials are rare. Most studies are focused on multivitamin supplementations. For some micronutrients, a positive impact on fertility could be shown. This article reviews the available clinical studies as well as the pathophysiological background of possible effects and summarizes the potential benefits of selected micronutrients on female fertility.. Apart from lowering the malformation risk by periconceptional supplementation of folic acid, substitution with different micronutrients, particularly folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iodine, selenium, iron, and DHA might have a positive impact on infertility treatment. The multivitamin formulation should take the pathophysiology, clinical studies, and upper limits into account.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Infertility, Female; Micronutrients; Neural Tube Defects; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Premature Birth; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selenium; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Abortion, Habitual; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Corpus Luteum; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Hyperprolactinemia; Infertility, Female; Luteal Phase; Luteinizing Hormone; Ovulation Induction; Progesterone; Vitamin E

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Luteal Phase; Progesterone

In a previous study, we showed that various low-molecular-weight compounds in follicular fluid (FF) samples of control fertile females (CFF) have different concentrations compared to those found in FF of infertile females (IF), before and after their categorization into different subgroups, according to their clinical diagnosis of infertility. Using the same FF samples of this previous study, we here analyzed the FF concentrations of free and bound bilirubin and compared the results obtained in CFF, IF and the different subgroups of IF (endometriosis, EM, polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, age-related reduced ovarian reserve, AR-ROR, reduced ovarian reserve, ROR, genetic infertility, GI and unexplained infertility, UI). The results clearly indicated that CFF had lower values of free, bound and total bilirubin compared to the respective values measured in pooled IF. These differences were observed even when IF were categorized into EM, PCOS, AR-ROR, ROR, GI and UI, with EM and PCOS showing the highest values of free, bound and total bilirubin among the six subgroups. Using previous results of ascorbic acid, GSH and nitrite + nitrate measured in the same FF samples of the same FF donors, we found that total bilirubin in FF increased as a function of decreased values of ascorbic acid and GSH, and increased concentrations of nitrite + nitrate. The values of total bilirubin negatively correlated with the clinical parameters of fertilization procedures (number of retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes, blastocysts, high-quality blastocysts) and with clinical pregnancies and birth rates. Bilirubin concentrations in FF were not linked to those found in serum samples of FF donors, thereby strongly suggesting that its over production was due to higher activity of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the key enzyme responsible for bilirubin formation, in granulosa cells, or cumulus cells or oocytes of IF and ultimately leading to bilirubin accumulation in FF. Since increased activity of HO-1 is one of the main enzymatic intracellular mechanisms of defense towards external insults (oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation), and since we found correlations among bilirubin and oxidative/nitrosative stress in these FF samples, it may reasonably be supposed that bilirubin increase in FF of IF is the result of protracted exposures to the aforementioned insults evidently playing relevant roles in female infertility.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bilirubin; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Follicular Fluid; Humans; Infertility, Female; Nitrates; Nitric Oxide; Nitrites; Oocytes; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy

Superoxide dismutase 1 suppresses oxidative stress within cells by decreasing the levels of superoxide anions. A dysfunction of the ovary and/or an aberrant production of sex hormones are suspected causes for infertility in superoxide dismutase 1-knockout mice. We report on attempts to rescue the infertility in female knockout mice by providing two antioxidants, ascorbic acid and/or coenzyme Q10, as supplements in the drinking water of the knockout mice after weaning and on an investigation of their reproductive ability. On the first parturition, 80% of the untreated knockout mice produced smaller litter sizes compared with wild-type mice (average 2.8 vs 7.3 pups/mouse), and supplementing with these antioxidants failed to improve these litter sizes. However, in the second parturition of the knockout mice, the parturition rate was increased from 18% to 44-75% as the result of the administration of antioxidants. While plasma levels of progesterone at 7.5 days of pregnancy were essentially the same between the wild-type and knockout mice and were not changed by the supplementation of these antioxidants, sizes of corpus luteum cells, which were smaller in the knockout mouse ovaries after the first parturition, were significantly ameliorated in the knockout mouse with the administration of the antioxidants. Moreover, the impaired vasculogenesis in uterus/placenta was also improved by ascorbic acid supplementation. We thus conclude that ascorbic acid and/or coenzyme Q10 are involved in maintaining ovarian and uterus/placenta homeostasis against insults that are augmented during pregnancy and that their use might have positive effects in terms of improving female fertility.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Infertility, Female; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Progesterone; Reproduction; Superoxide Dismutase-1; Ubiquinone

Ambient aerosol fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with male reproductive toxicity in experiments and may have adverse effects in the female. However, studies evaluating the protective effects and precise mechanisms of aspirin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or ozone against toxic effects of PM2.5are sparse. This study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effects and mechanisms of aspirin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or ozone on fertility in female mice treated with PM2.5.. Eighty-four ICR mice were divided into six groups: control group, PM2.5group, PM2.5 + aspirin group, PM2.5 + Vitamin C group, PM2.5 + Vitamin E group, and PM2.5 + ozone group. PM2.5was given by intratracheal instillation every 2 days for 3 weeks. Aspirin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E were given once a day by oral gavage for 3 weeks, and ozone was administered by intraperitoneal injection once a day for 3 weeks. The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting analysis was used to analyze the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 in ovaries. Changes in histological structure were examined by light microscope and electron microscopy was used to detect ultramicrostructure.. The results demonstrated that PM2.5 decreased AMH levels (P < 0.001); however, aspirin (P < 0.001), Vitamin C (P < 0.001), Vitamin E (P = 0.001), and ozone (P = 0.002) alleviated the decrease. Changes of IL-6, TNF-α, 8-OHdG, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in PM2.5group were increased compared to control group (P < 0.001), while in PM2.5 + aspirin, PM2.5 + Vitamin C, PM2.5 + Vitamin E, and PM2.5 + ozone groups, they were statistically decreased compared to PM2.5group (P < 0.001 or P< 0.05).. PM2.5cause the damage of ovaries, and aspirin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ozone antagonizes the damage. The protective mechanism is probably due to its ability to blunt the inflammatory and oxidative stress caused by PM2.5, which subsequently suppressing the expression of apoptotic regulatory protein and reducing the incidence of ovary apoptosis.

Topics: Air Pollution; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Female; Infertility, Female; Male; Mice; Ovary; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Vitamin E

To compare E-selectin, resistin and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of subfertile women undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) during IVF/ICSI cycles, using GnRH-agonist and -antagonist protocols.. In this prospective cohort study, 85 subfertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI were included. Participants underwent the GnRH-agonist and -antagonist protocols; and blood samples were collected at three time points: basic (at start of COH), on the day of hCG and at oocyte retrieval (OR); and from the FF from the first follicle aspirate. Clinical and IVF cycle characteristics, were compared between groups, together with the levels of E-selectin, resistin and ROS in serum and FF, through ELISA. Their prognostic value on pregnancy outcomes was examined.. Examining molecules levels are increasing in serum, from start of COH until OR, irrespectively of the protocol used; FF levels at OR were similar to those in serum at that day. Resistin FF levels were lower in GnRH agonists, compared with the antagonist protocol. Resistin levels at start of COH were associated with clinical pregnancy rates, and this remained significant following adjustment for age, BMI and IVF protocol used, while values of >13.5 ng/ml were associated with a six times greater odd of a pregnancy.. E-selectin, resistin and ROS levels are increasing during COH, reaching their highest values at OR, with comparable values measured in the FF at that time. Resistin values >13.5 ng/ml are linked with a 6-fold increase on the odds of a pregnancy.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Cholecalciferol; Dehydroepiandrosterone; E-Selectin; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Follicular Fluid; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Infertility, Female; Nicotinic Acids; Ovulation Induction; Plant Extracts; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prospective Studies; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resistin

The authors here report a case of an infertile woman with diffuse leiomyomatosis of the uterus, which is a rare benign pathological condition in which the myometrium is occupied by innumerable small fibroid nodules. Due to the progressive abdominal distension of the patient and the desire for pregnancy of the couple, myomectomy was performed as a primary treatment. Urgent relaparotomy was required for hematoma debridement on the following day. Despite the evidence of the follicular growth and cyclic ovarian steroid secretion, the patient had postoperative endometrial thinning that was unresponsive to hormone replacement therapy. Supplementation of oral tocopherol nicotinate/vitamin E and ascorbic acid/vitamin C was effective for immediate recovery of withdrawal bleeding and gradual gain of endometrial thickness. The patient had a successful pregnancy in an in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program and gave a birth to a healthy baby.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Endometrium; Female; Fertility Preservation; Humans; Infertility, Female; Leiomyomatosis; Pregnancy; Uterine Myomectomy; Uterine Neoplasms; Vitamin E; Vitamins

To study the levels of four markers of oxidative stress in follicular fluid (FF) and plasma of patients with infertility related to endometriosis and controls.. Experimental study.. University-affiliated hospital and infertility center.. Ninety-one infertile women were included in the study (23 infertile women with endometriosis and 68 controls including infertile women due to tubal factor, male factor, or healthy egg donors).. Blood was obtained at the time of egg retrieval, and FF from the mature follicles of each ovary was centrifuged and frozen until analysis.. Vitamin C and E, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase concentrations in plasma and follicular fluid.. Women with endometriosis showed a lower vitamin C concentration in FF (12.7 ± 5.9 vs. 9.7 ± 6.9 μg/mL) and lower superoxide dismutase concentration in plasma (0.9 ± 1.4 vs. 0.5 ± 0.7 U/mL) compared with controls. Vitamin E plasma levels were significantly higher in women with endometriosis (8.1 ± 3.8 vs. 5.2 ± 3.2 μg/mL). A nonsignificant trend toward a lower plasma concentration of malondialdehyde was found in women with endometriosis.. These findings suggest a lower antioxidant capacity in infertile women with endometriosis. Although a certain level of reactive oxygen species is required under physiological conditions, an altered balance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant activities may have an impact on folliculogenesis and adequate embryo development.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Endometriosis; Female; Follicular Fluid; Humans; Infertility, Female; Male; Ovarian Diseases; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Superoxide Dismutase-1

Worldwide statistics agree that at least one out of six couples has fertility problems. If the male gamete is the origin of this problem, it is generally admitted that the oxidative stress is involved. Modern life has obviously increased fertility problems through pesticides, xenoestrogenes, endocrine disrupting chemicals involved in plastic technology such as polychlorinated bisphenyls, bisphenol A, phthalates and alkylphenols… and other cosmetic additives. An important part of these compounds increases oxidative stress, at least in part. Oxidative stress is more than probably at the origin or recurrent increasing pathologies such as endometriosis. If the oocyte is theoretically able to repair oxidative stress linked decays such as DNA fragmentation and oxidation of bases, its capacity is finite and decreasing with age. In order to decrease DNA repair charge, reducing or even avoiding the generation of DNA damages related to reactive oxygen species through consumption of antioxidants compounds is often tempting: however Reasons will be provided to break from current treatments given haphazardly in the population in the age of reproduction, as well as the potential risks of over-exposure. Furthermore recommended treatments, in relation with the new concepts in oxidative stress, will be specified.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Female; Humans; Infertility; Infertility, Female; Infertility, Male; Male; Oocytes; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Spermatozoa; Superoxide Dismutase; Ubiquinone

To study the therapeutic effect of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine on female immune infertility. 3,496 women suffering from primary or secondary infertility had their ASAb, EMAb, AOAb and ACAb level tested, with the positive rate of 23.11%, 34.95%, 20.77% and 30.41% respectively. 2,062 positive cases were periodically treated with the Chinese drug Xiaokangwan plus dexamethasone, vitamin E and vitamin C for 2 periods as a course of treatment. At the end of a treatment course, the rate for the antibodies to turn negative reached over 85% and the average pregnant rate reached 36.66%. The treatment of immune infertility with the integrated approach can reduce or eliminate the influence of antibodies in the serum of patients on various links of pregnancy, thus reaching the goal of curing infertility.

Topics: Adult; Antibodies; Ascorbic Acid; Autoantibodies; Dexamethasone; Drug Therapy, Combination; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Male; Phytotherapy; Pregnancy; Spermatozoa; Vitamin E

To assess the ascorbic acid (AA) in the follicular fluid in women treated by in vitro fertilization and embryonic transfer levels (IVF/ET) and to analyse the influence of vitamin C supplementation on the results of infertility treatment.. Prospective study in women treated by IVF/ET.. The influence of vitamin C supplementation on the outcome of infertility treatment in the assisted reproduction programme in 76 women (38 of them smokers, 38 non-smokers) was studied. Half the women (19 smokers and 19 non-smokers) were administered vitamin C in daily doses of 500 mg in so-called pellets allowing for gradual release over 8 to 12 hours. The control group consisted of the same number of smokers and non-smokers. In all the women, ascorbic acid levels were determined in two urine samples (prior to supplementation and at follicle retrieval) and in follicular fluid by means of a colorimetric method. Ovarian response to hormonal stimulation with gonadotropins (hMG, FSH) at a dosage of 150-225 IU per day combined with GnRH analogues in the short (buserelin) or long (triptorelin) protocols, and 5,000-10,000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin was evaluated based on the number of follicles created and number of retrieved oocytes. Fertilisation was assessed, based on the number of successfully fertilised oocytes (fertilisation rate) and based on the number of cultivated embryos. The success of the infertility treatment was evaluated based on the number of pregnancies.. Ascorbic acid levels in follicles were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in women with vitamin C supplementation than in the control group (8.98 +/- 5.09 vs. 5.04 +/- 2.85 mg/l). The administration of vitamin C during the period of hormonal stimulation showed a statistically insignificant impact in terms of the higher number of pregnancies (34.2% vs. 23.7%). Vitamin supplementation had a greater impact on the number of pregnancies in the non-smokers' group (57.9% vs. 31.6%). The pregnancy rate was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in non-smoking women than in smokers--44.7% vs. 13.2%, which appears to be a reason for asking women to cease smoking prior to infertility treatment.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Dietary Supplements; Embryo Transfer; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Follicular Fluid; Humans; Infertility, Female; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Smoking

To investigate the treatment for immunologic infertility.. Serum antisperm antibody, anti-ovarian antibody, anti-endometrial antibody and anti-hCG antibody in 1,020 female patients with primary or secondary infertility were tested. Patients were treated with dexamethasone, vitamin E and vitamin C for 3 cycles consecutively as one course.. The detective rates of the above antibodies were 25.88%, 22.86%, 32.81% and 23.61% respectively. After one course of treatment, the disappearance rates of the antibodies mentioned were over 90%, and the average pregnancy rate was up to 30%.. Corticosterocls may reduce or even eliminate the effects of the immune factors on infertility.

Topics: Adult; Antibodies; Ascorbic Acid; Autoantibodies; Dexamethasone; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Male; Ovary; Prospective Studies; Spermatozoa; Vitamin E

Methylene blue is used to check tubal patency during laparoscopy. A case of methemoglobinemia which was induced by methylene blue is presented. Methemoglobinemia is usually treated with methylene blue; however, in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, methylene blue can induce methemoglobinemia.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Coloring Agents; Cyanosis; Fallopian Tube Patency Tests; Female; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Humans; Infertility, Female; Injections, Intravenous; Laparoscopy; Methemoglobinemia; Methylene Blue

Human cervical mucus is composed of an insoluble polymer of glycoproteins (mucin) which forms a matrix in which the aqueous phase is dispersed. Both the mucin and the aqueous phase are considered to be of importance to the structural integrity and function of cervical mucus. The mucin is considered to be composed of coiled glycoprotein molecules. These molecules may then associate by the chelation of divalent copper, via the carboxylic acid groups of the terminal sialic acid moieties of the carbohydrate side chains, to form the mucin per se. The modulation of the mucin structure at midcycle may then be achieved by the reduction of the copper bound to the sialic acid, by the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid: the L-ascorbic acid becoming oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid. This will result in an increase in hydration of the mucin by the association of water molecules with the uncomplexed sialic acid molecules of the glycoproteins. Thus the biophysical changes of cervical mucus may occur without enzymatically induced biochemical reactions. The proposed biochemical structure of cervical mucus is in accordance with the honeycomb-like structure of cervical mucin viewed by scanning electron microscopy. Whether or not the mucin exists precisely in this form in vivo is debatable. However, the honeycomb-like structure provides a convenient model on which one may investigate the biochemical, physiological and pathological nature of cervical mucus.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cervix Mucus; Cervix Uteri; Female; Fertilization; Humans; Infertility, Female; Male; Menstruation; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Mucins; N-Acetylneuraminic Acid; Sialic Acids; Spermatozoa

We have reviewed the action of various substances contained in the cervix and endometrium, which are normally present and which can stimulate spermatic migration. We consider that the investigation is fundamental in certain pathological cases, especially concerning the study of the cervical factor and of certain cases of sterility without apparent cause, since they can indicate the etiology of sterility. The application of certain pharmacological substances, both of hormonal and non hormonal nature, can reestablish this balance and, with the recovery of spermatic migration, determine the ascent of the male gamete and render its encounter with the female gamete possible.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cervix Mucus; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Lipids; Male; Mucins; Proteins; Semen; Sialic Acids; Sperm Motility

The study is engaged with the possibility to use ascorbic acid value for better determination of ovulation in sterile patients. We investigated the acid excretion in 8-hour-urinary-portions of 21 patients following daily application of 600 mg ascorbic acid from the 4th to the 20th day of menstrual cycla. Comparing the results to morning temperature, spin--and fern phenomenon of the cervical mucos and biopsy of the endometrium we found the excretion minimum in 61,9% 2 till 3 days before rise of the morning temperature and at the end of the praeovulatory phase. Correlation between ascorbic acid metabolism and ovulation are under discussion.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Infertility, Female; Ovulation; Vaginal Smears

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Cholesterol; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Nucleic Acids

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Kidney Calculi

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Basophils; Blood Cell Count; Body Temperature; Cervix Mucus; Cervix Uteri; Female; Infertility, Female; Ovulation; Progesterone; Radioimmunoassay; Time Factors

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Basophils; Body Temperature; Cervix Mucus; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Leukocyte Count; Ovulation Detection; Progesterone

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cervix Mucus; Common Cold; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Pregnancy; Scurvy; Self Medication

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Common Cold; Female; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Female; Pregnancy

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cervix Mucus; Female; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Female; Pregnancy

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cervix Mucus; Contraception; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Pregnancy; Urinary Calculi

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Body Weight; Female; Infertility, Female; Luteinizing Hormone; Organ Size; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Rats; Testosterone; Uterus

Topics: Age Factors; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Castration; Estradiol; Feedback; Female; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Infertility, Female; Luteinizing Hormone; Organ Size; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Rats; Testosterone; Uterus

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Luteinizing Hormone; Menstruation Disturbances; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Chemosterilants; Cysts; Estrus; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Gonadotropins, Pituitary; Infertility, Female; Luteinizing Hormone; Organ Size; Ovarian Diseases; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Pregnancy; Rats; Testosterone

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; Female; Gynecology; Humans; Infertility; Infertility, Female; Thiamine; Vitamins