Oxidative stress during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes: a review

In vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos has become the most widely used reproductive biotechnologies worldwide. Within this system, in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is a critical step, as it involves nuclear, cytoplasmic, and cumulus cell transformations that determine oocyte competence for...

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Autores principales: Romero Monteleone, Sabrina Itatí, Navarro Krilich, Lia Macarena, Yostar, Jonatan, Dellavalle, Franco Alejandro, Capellari, Adriana, Ynsaurralde-Rivolta, Amada Eugenia
Formato: Artículo revista
Lenguaje:Español
Publicado: Universidad Nacional del Nordeste 2026
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Acceso en línea:https://revistas.unne.edu.ar/index.php/vet/article/view/9105
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Sumario:In vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos has become the most widely used reproductive biotechnologies worldwide. Within this system, in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is a critical step, as it involves nuclear, cytoplasmic, and cumulus cell transformations that determine oocyte competence for fertilization and subsequent embryonic development. IVM is highly sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, light exposure, and culture duration, which may induce oxidative stress and compromise cell viability. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) damages key cellular structures, including DNA, proteins, and mitochondria, thereby impairing oocyte maturation and embryonic development. Recent studies indicate that prolonged culture and thermal fluctuations can generate a “molecular memory” that reduces oocyte competence, even under otherwise normal conditions. Several strategies have been proposed to overcome these limitations. Supplementation with antioxidants such as cysteamine, L-cysteine, melatonin, epigallocatechin, resveratrol, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids has shown beneficial effects on oocyte maturation and the reduction of oxidative damage, although with variable outcomes. More recently, folic acid has gained attention due to its antioxidant and epigenetic properties, particularly through the inhibition of ferroptosis and the enhancement of oocyte competence. In conclusion, optimizing IVM requires integrating strict control of environmental conditions with targeted antioxidant and molecular strategies tailored to each laboratory to preserve oocyte quality and maximize embryonic developmental potential.