The Effect of Melatonin on Izumo1 Gene Expression, Sperm Motility and In Vitro Fertilization in Mice

Abstract

Objective: IZUMO 1 is one of the most important and the most recent known proteins of sperm-oocyte fusion function. The present study aims to investigate the expression of IZUMO1 gene with melatonin injection in in-vitro conditions. Moreover, the sperm-oocyte fusion rate in in vitro fertilization (IVF) condition was examined. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 female and 45 male mice were divided into control and experimental groups. To investigate Izomo1 gene expression and sperm motility, 10 mu M melatonin was added to the culture medium in the experimental group for 1 hour and to examine the fertilization rate 10 mu M melatonin was added to culture medium in the experimental group for 1 hour. Then, sperms of the control and experimental groups were added to the oocyte collected and the fertilization was examined on embryo formation. Results: Examinations showed a significant increase in IZUMO1 gene expression and sperm motility in the experimental group (receiving melatonin) compared to the control group. Counting formed embryos showed that 83% of the oocytes have evolved to the fetus. Conclusion: We conclude that melatonin may be a good alternative for rising oocyte fertilization success by sperm in IVF.