Effect of pentoxifylline in reducing oxidative stress-induced embryotoxicity

PURPOSE: To 1) evaluate the embryotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on mouse embryo development and 2) examine if pentoxifylline can reverse hydrogen peroxide induced embryotoxicity. METHODS: Prospective in vitro study examining the effects of varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and pentoxifylline on the blastocyst development rate alone as well as in combination. RESULTS: A dose-dependent decrease in % BDR was seen with increasing concentrations of H2O2. High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (> 60 microM) were embryotoxic. Pentoxifylline (500 microM) was able to reduce the embryotoxic effect of hydrogen peroxide. Percent blastocyst development rate increased from 44% in hydrogen peroxide alone to 85% in hydrogen peroxide and pentoxifylline coincubation. CONCLUSIONS: Pentoxifylline may be beneficial in reducing hydrogen peroxide induced embryo damage and improve IVF outcome. Patients with endometriosis-associated infertility may benefit from the use of pentoxifylline without significantly affecting embryo development.