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Date of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Elizabeth Masten MS, PA-C
Abstract
Introduction: Infertility and its associated conditions pose a large burden to healthcare in the United States and contribute to significant individual morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), suboptimal treatment outcomes still exist. Exploration into other safe and cost-effective treatments is needed to improve infertility treatment outcomes. Melatonin has been demonstrated to reduce in intra-follicular oxidative stress, making melatonin supplementation one such possible adjuvant therapy.
Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, ClinicalKey, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. A total of seven clinical research articles published within the last 10 years were selected based on various inclusion and exclusion criteria. A comparative analysis of study design and results was then performed.
Results: Most of the selected literature found significant improvement in oocyte and embryo quality with supplementary melatonin use when compared to traditional IVF protocol. However, only three studies found statistically significant improvements in fertilization rate, and none were able to demonstrate significant improvement in clinical pregnancy rates with melatonin use.
Discussion: Results show a positive correlation between melatonin supplementation and oocyte and embryo quality during IVF. However, measures varied slightly between studies, and clinical usefulness in regards to fertilization and pregnancy rates were unable to be determined. Studies were also limited by sample size, which reduced the power of results obtained.
Conclusion: Melatonin has been regarded for its anti-oxidative properties, low cost, and relative safety. Emerging research on melatonin demonstrates antioxidant properties in intra-follicular fluid, suggesting potential usefulness in improving fertility. The present literature analysis demonstrated promising results regarding supplemental melatonin use and improved oocyte and embryo quality during IVF. However, the selected studies were unable to demonstrate improvements in clinical pregnancy rates. Further research is needed before justifying the clinical use of melatonin in IVF therapy.
Recommended Citation
DeWyse, Emma, "Investigating the Clinical Usefulness of Melatonin to Improve Infertility Treatment Outcomes" (2021). Capstone Showcase. 24.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2021/pa/24
Investigating the Clinical Usefulness of Melatonin to Improve Infertility Treatment Outcomes
Introduction: Infertility and its associated conditions pose a large burden to healthcare in the United States and contribute to significant individual morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), suboptimal treatment outcomes still exist. Exploration into other safe and cost-effective treatments is needed to improve infertility treatment outcomes. Melatonin has been demonstrated to reduce in intra-follicular oxidative stress, making melatonin supplementation one such possible adjuvant therapy.
Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, ClinicalKey, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. A total of seven clinical research articles published within the last 10 years were selected based on various inclusion and exclusion criteria. A comparative analysis of study design and results was then performed.
Results: Most of the selected literature found significant improvement in oocyte and embryo quality with supplementary melatonin use when compared to traditional IVF protocol. However, only three studies found statistically significant improvements in fertilization rate, and none were able to demonstrate significant improvement in clinical pregnancy rates with melatonin use.
Discussion: Results show a positive correlation between melatonin supplementation and oocyte and embryo quality during IVF. However, measures varied slightly between studies, and clinical usefulness in regards to fertilization and pregnancy rates were unable to be determined. Studies were also limited by sample size, which reduced the power of results obtained.
Conclusion: Melatonin has been regarded for its anti-oxidative properties, low cost, and relative safety. Emerging research on melatonin demonstrates antioxidant properties in intra-follicular fluid, suggesting potential usefulness in improving fertility. The present literature analysis demonstrated promising results regarding supplemental melatonin use and improved oocyte and embryo quality during IVF. However, the selected studies were unable to demonstrate improvements in clinical pregnancy rates. Further research is needed before justifying the clinical use of melatonin in IVF therapy.