Objectives: To investigate the possible role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of female infertility, we examined the peritoneal fluid (PF) and plasma lipid peroxides levels in infertile women.
Materials and methods: 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured in peritoneal fluid and plasma samples obtained from: 10 infertile women with minimal and mild endometriosis, 24 patients with unexplained infertility, 11 women with PCOS and 14 patients with tubal infertility.
Results: PF lipid peroxides level was significantly higher in women with idiopathic infertility compared to other groups. Plasma 4-HNE and MDA concentrations did not differ significantly between the infertile groups. No significant difference or relationship was observed between peritoneal fluid and plasma lipid peroxides levels.
Conclusions: Increased free radicals activity in the peritoneal fluid environment may be the factor responsible for some cases of "unexplained infertility".