Evaluating the Effectiveness of Assisted Oocyte Activation in ICSI: Pairwise Meta-Analyses and Systematic Evidence Evaluation.

Background: Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) is used to improve fertilisation rates in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of AOA on fertilisation, embryo development, and clinical outcomes, including live birth.

Search Strategy: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus from January 1990 to March 2024 using terms related to 'artificial oocyte activation' and 'ICSI.

Antioxidant therapy for infertile couples: a comprehensive review of the current status and consideration of future prospects.

Oxidative stress (OS) is established as a key factor in the etiology of both male and female infertility, arising from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the endogenous antioxidant (AOX) defenses. In men, OS adversely affects sperm function by inducing DNA damage, reducing motility, significantly impairing sperm vitality through plasma membrane peroxidation and loss of membrane integrity, and ultimately compromising overall sperm quality. In women, OS is implicated in various reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and premature ovarian failure, leading to diminished oocyte quality, disrupted folliculogenesis, and poorer reproductive outcomes.

Quantifying the association of sperm DNA fragmentation with assisted reproductive technology outcomes: An umbrella review.

Background: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are instrumental in shaping clinical practice. However, their findings can sometimes be marred by discrepancies and potential biases, thereby diluting the strength of the evidence presented. Umbrella reviews serve to comprehensively assess and synthesise these reviews, offering a clearer insight into the quality of the evidence presented.