Glutathione Treatment in IVF

What is Glutathione?

Mitochondria is an organelle found in the cell. Just as we need energy to move and maintain our daily lives, cells need energy to function. Mitochondria are both the lung and the powerhouse of the cell. It uses oxygen to energize the cell. For example, the contraction of the heart muscle. Since it shows division in our reproductive cells, it needs an intense amount of energy. In particular, the proliferation of embryo cells is dependent on mitochondrial function. Interestingly, mitochondria have their own DNA and are self-replicating.

The egg cell has about 200 times more mitochondria than a normal cell. Since egg cells remain constant with birth, they do not regenerate like other cells, on the contrary, they decrease. In addition, over the years, its functions decrease due to the increasing oxidation in our body. It shows signs of aging like the skin of an old person. Studies have shown that decreased egg reserve is accompanied by aging egg function, and it has been understood that quality embryos do not develop from these eggs in IVF treatment. Interestingly, the number of mitochondria increased in studies on these eggs. Apparently, the number of mitochondria increases in order to balance the oxidation in the egg cell and to provide sufficient energy.

Malnutrition, weight, stress and old age increase oxidation in the body.

In this context, antioxidant treatments are given to improve egg quality.

The benefits of antioxidant therapy in IVF treatment have been shown in some studies. In this regard, Vitamin C and coenzyme Q are used as antioxidants in IVF treatment. In addition, when glutathione (glutathione) is given intravenously as an amino acid, it can make a positive development on eggs in IVF treatment.

Other Things to Know

Glutathione is recommended in IVF treatment to improve egg quality in decreased ovarian reserve. Glutathione, which has almost no side effects, is used for preparation in patients with recurrent IVF failure.

Oral administration of glutathione in tablet form is not very beneficial. Gastric acidity reduces the effectiveness of the drug. Glutathione enters the cell and reduces the oxidatid stress factors in the cell cytoplasm and enables the mitochondria to work better. Glutathione is also used as a support in antiaging treatments.

When is it applied?

For decreased ovarian reserve in IVF treatment, intravenous glutathione (glutathione) is administered at least 1 month before the egg collection phase. The treatment is carried out by adding serum in various sessions.

When genetic analysis was performed on embryos developing from oocytes collected in decreased ovarian reserve, it was observed that the amount of DNA attached to mitochondria increased, and it was shown that pregnancy rates were lower when these embryos were transferred. The effect of glutathione treatment on eggs is that by reducing the number of mitochondria, the mitochondria work more smoothly and, after the egg, it provides energy by producing ATP for the embryo. Even if the genetics of the embryo are correct, there is not enough energy, and cell proliferation in the embryo can be difficult.

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