The effects of selenium supplementation on glycemic control, serum lipoproteins and biomarkers of oxidative stress in infertile women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of selenium consumption on metabolic profile among infertile females diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and methods: The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 40 infertile females with PCOS aged between 18 and 40 years. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups of intervention to receive selenium supplements (200 μg/day) or placebo (starch). Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.

Results: Selenium administration significantly decreased fasting glucose (P = 0.03), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (P = 0.007) and fasting insulin levels (P = 0.006), and elevated quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (P < 0.001). In addition, selenium supplementation significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P = 0.006). We did not observe any significant effect of selenium supplementation on pregnancy rate, lipid profiles, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total glutathione (GSH) levels.

Conclusions: Overall, our study demonstrated that selenium supplementation for 8 weeks in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF had beneficial effects on glycemic control and MDA levels, but did not affect pregnancy rate, lipid profiles, TAC and GSH levels.

Clinical trial registration number: This trial was registered at www.irct.ir as http://www.irct.ir: IRCT201701025623N100.

Keywords: Cardio-metabolic; Glycemic control; In vitro fertilization; Selenium.