THE IMPACT OF ALPHA LIPOIC ACID ON DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE OF MOUSE VITRIFIED PRE-ANTRAL FOLLICLES IN COMPARISON TO THOSE ISOLATED FROM VITRIFIED OVARIES

摘要

Background: Cryopreservation of ovarian tissues and pre-antral follicles is a promising prospect for preservation of women fertility.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro developmental competence of mouse vitrified pre-antral follicles in comparison to isolated pre-antral follicles derived from vitrified ovaries in the presence of alpha lipoic acid (ALA).Materials and Methods: Pre-antral follicles derived from fresh, vitrified-warmed ovarian tissues and vitrifieda€“warmed pre-antral follicles were cultured individually with or without ALA, followed by adding hCG to induce ovulation. The follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and embryo development were assessed.Results: The diameter and development of follicles, oocyte maturation and embryo development rates were significantly higher in ALA supplemented groups compared to the respective ALA-free conditions groups. Aforementioned parameters were significantly higher in vitrified-warmed follicles in comparison to follicles derived from vitrified-warmed ovaries.Conclusion: These findings support a superior performance of pre-antral follicles when vitrified rather than when isolated from vitrified ovaries with regard to increasing the rates of developmental parameters. Moreover, ALA improves the in vitro maturation of pre-antral follicles in vitrified and non-vitrified samples.