Melatonin protects oocyte and granulosa cellsfrom reactive oxygen species during ovulation process within the follicle

活性氧（ROS）在卵泡内产生，特别是在排卵过程中。我们研究了褪黑激素是否在卵泡内起到抗氧化剂的作用，并保护卵母细胞和颗粒细胞免受氧化应激。褪黑素由松果体分泌，从血液中进入卵泡液。卵泡内产生的活性氧，特别是在排卵过程中，被褪黑激素清除，氧化应激的减少可能参与卵母细胞成熟、胚胎发育和颗粒细胞的黄体化。我们的临床研究表明，褪黑素治疗不孕妇女可增加卵泡内褪黑素浓度，减少卵泡内氧化损伤，提高受精率和妊娠率。褪黑素治疗也改善黄体期缺陷不孕妇女黄体黄体酮的产生。

Reactive oxygen species(ROS) are produced within the fbllicle especially during the ovulatory process. We examined whether melatonin acts as an anti-oxidant within follicles and protects oocytes and granulosa cells from oxidative stress. Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, is taken up into thefollicular fluid from the blood. ROS produced within the follicles, especially during the ovulation process, were scavenged by melatonin, and reduced oxidative stress may be involved in oocyte maturation, embryo development and luteinaization of granulosa cells. Our clinical study demonstrated that melatonin treatment for infertile women increases intra-fbllicular melatonin concentrations, reduces intra-follicular oxidative damage and elevates fertilization and pregnancy rates. Melatonin treatment also improves progesterone production by corpus luteum in infertile women with luteal phase defect.