Correlation of skin carotenoid levels with embryo development and pregnancy result of in vitro fertilization cycles for couples with unexplained infertility

Oxidative stress-related DNA damage is a significant pathology for male subfertility and unexplained infertility (UI). Antioxidant supplement by food or nutrition may benefit sperm function of UI couples. However, the role of antioxidant status on fertilization outcome and embryo development for UI couples is not clear. A total of 63 semen samples from UI couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (26 pregnant cycles and 37 nonpregnant cycles) were recruited for this prospective observational study. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of sperm cells are detected by a chemiluminescence assay. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of seminal plasma is evaluated according to an antioxidant assay kit. The skin carotenoid status in the male partners of UI couples is measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy to determine the antioxidant potential from dietary supplement. The skin carotenoid status (23,115 ± 6,831 vs. 19,432 ± 5,242 Raman intensity, p =.0329 by Mann–Whitney U test) and day 3 good embryo rates (49.6 ± 27.1% vs. 26.8 ± 23.1%, p =.002 by Mann–Whitney U test) are higher in pregnant cycles compared to those in nonpregnant cycles. The local antioxidant capacity (seminal TAC) is closely correlated with fertilization rates (r =.35, p =.005). In contrast, skin carotenoid status is intimately associated with good embryo rates in IVF cycles (r =.34, p =.007). In conclusion, the skin carotenoid status of male partners of UI couples may benefit embryo development and the subsequent pregnancy outcome of IVF treatment. Further investigation about the effect and mechanism of nutritional supplement on embryo development in IVF cycles for UI couples is deserved.