THE ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN HUMAN OOCYTE VITRIFICATION MEDIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of antioxidant supplementation in vitrification media for human oocytes and embryos. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between 2021 and 2025. Original studies evaluating antioxidant supplementation in vitrification media for human oocytes and embryos and reporting at least one outcome related to oxidative stress or post-warming outcomes were included. Results: Five original studies met the inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 56 to 595 human oocytes. The antioxidants investigated included C-phycocyanin, LEA proteins, and melatonin. All included studies consistently reported that antioxidant supplementation reduced oxidative stress, preserved mitochondrial function, and improved survival and developmental potential of human oocytes after cryopreservation. However, no study directly evaluated the effects of antioxidant supplementation on human embryos. Conclusion: Antioxidant supplementation in vitrification media shows potential for improving the quality of human oocytes after cryopreservation. Nevertheless, future standardized studies, particularly those involving human embryos, are needed to clarify the role and clinical applicability of this approach in assisted reproductive technology.