Figure 2

Effects of oxidative stress (OS) and interventions to overcome its effects at different ART steps. Overproduction of ROS could potentially occur at various steps during ART, leading to oxidative stress. Exposure of the developing embryo to oxidative stress may cause 2 cell block, reduction in blastomere numbers and blastocyst development rate, apoptosis and fragmentation of the embryo, leading to pre-implantation embryonic death. However, the appropriate intervention could be taken at various steps during ART to minimize the harmful effects of oxidative stress on ART outcome. These include: using a lower sperm concentration, shorter co-incubation periods, employment of appropriate sperm preparation techniques, the use of low levels of illumination and oxygen concentration, use of appropriate type and content of media, including supplementation with antioxidants.