[Peritoneal fluid and plasma 4-hydroxynonenal and malonyldialdehyde concentrations in infertile women].

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".