Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Blood Hormonal Parameters and Follicular Fluid Oxidative Stress Factors in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a dietary supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid on hormonal parameters of blood plasma serum and follicular fluid oxidative stress factors in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Methods: Patients were selected from infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome within the age range of 35-35 referring to Qom University Jihad Infertility Treatment Center. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The control group received 1500 mg metformin daily, whereas the treatment group received 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid with 1500 mg metformin(MET) daily for 8 weeks. Thereafter, anthropometric characteristics, blood glucose, plasma serum hormonal parameters, and follicular fluid oxidative stress factors were measured. Independent t-test and paired t- test were used to analyze the data if it was normal, and the Mann-Whitney U test was utilized if the samples were not normal. Results: Glucose and insulin levels were significantly reduced in the ALA treatment group (P<0.05). LH also showed a significant decrease in the ALA treatment group (P <0.05); nonetheless, the levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), testosterone, and estradiol did not change (P<0.05). A significant difference was observed between the control and treatment groups in terms of oxidative stress markers (MDA and TAC) (P<0.05). Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, ALA+MET consumption is effective in the reduction of oxidative stress, glucose, insulin, and LH levels. This property can be used to prevent complications of this disease, including hyperglycemia and hormonal imbalance.

Keywords

• alpha-lipoic acid
• infertility
• lipogenesis
• oxidative stress
• polycystic ovary syndrome