Antioxidant strategies to mitigate oxidative stress-induced cryodamage in oocytes

Oocyte cryopreservation is an essential procedure in assisted reproductive technologies, aimed at preserving fertility, particularly for women undergoing IVF treatment or at risk of ovarian damage due to radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. Despite its growing use, the survival and fertilization rates of cryopreserved oocytes remain suboptimal, largely due to cryo-induced oxidative stress. The generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) during freezing and thawing causes considerable damage to key cellular components, including proteins, lipids, DNA, and mitochondria. This oxidative stress compromises oocyte quality and reduces developmental potential. To address these challenges, the use of additives - especially antioxidants - has shown significant promise in mitigating oxidative damage. Enzymatic antioxidants such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT), along with non-enzymatic antioxidants like glutathione, melatonin, and resveratrol, have demonstrated the ability to neutralize ROS and improve oocyte viability and developmental outcomes. Recent studies highlight the potential of Mitoquinone (MitoQ), a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, to effectively counteract mitochondrial ROS and enhance cellular defense mechanisms during cryopreservation. This review explores the cellular mechanisms of cryodamage, the role of oxidative stress in oocyte cryopreservation, and the potential of various antioxidant strategies to enhance oocyte survival and function. Developing effective antioxidant supplementation approaches may significantly improve the outcomes of cryopreservation in reproductive medicine.