Marcela de Oliveira Pinheiro, Fernanda Bertuccez Cordeiro, Giuliana Camila Ramirez Ramos, Doris Ferreira Moriyama, Gabrielle Ferrante Alves de Moraes, Karla Pacheco de Melo, Mauricio de Rosa Trotta, Luana Teixeira de Souza Rodrigues, Fernando Prado Ferreira, Edson Guimarães Lo Turco
JBRA Assist. Reprod. 2026; 30 (1):56-63
Received June 17, 2025
Accepted February 20, 2026
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) negatively impacts oocyte and embryo quality. However, melatonin supplementation in assisted reproduction may enhance oocyte and embryo quality. This study aimed to analyse the effect of melatonin supplementation in embryo culture, by assessing embryos quality and development in murine models.
METHODS: C57BL/6J mice strain were divided into 6 groups: PCOS; PCOS with melatonin; placebo; placebo with melatonin; controls; and controls with melatonin. Embryo classification was performed during all developmental phases. TUNEL assay analysis was carried out in blastocysts.
RESULTS: The melatonin supplementation showed a positive influence during cleavage and morula development for all groups. The blastocyst rate was lower in the PCOS group when compared to placebo and controls. For the TUNEL assay, placebo and control groups supplemented with melatonin had a lower number of apoptotic cells compared to their respective non-supplemented groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin supplementation exerts a beneficial impact on cleavage and morula development for all groups. For PCOS, the poor blastocyst quality and high apoptosis rate emphasizes the inherent challenges associated with this condition.
Melatonin potentially mitigates apoptotic events during early embryo development, suggesting its relevance as a supplementary therapeutic approach.
