Nanomicelle curcumin improves oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and assisted reproductive techniques outcomes in endometriosis cases: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

We studied the effect nanomicelle curcumin on oxidative stress markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and assisted reproductive techniques (ART) outcomes in endometriosis cases. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 50 women with endometriosis at the age of 25-35 candidate for ART referred to Roya Infertility Center in Qom, Iran, 2022. The participants were allocated to intervention (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups by the blocked randomization method. Nanomicelle curcumin with a dose of 120 mg per day was given to the intervention group twice a day for 10 weeks, and the placebo with the same dose was given to the control group. Follicular fluid (FF) samples were collected from women with endometriosis stage III/IV undergoing ART. Antioxidant enzyme (MDA, SOD, CAT, and TAC) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and TNF-a) were tested. ART results such as (number of oocyte received, high-quality embryo, and pregnancy outcomes) were compared between two groups. Increased serum levels of TAC, CAT, and SOD were observed after nanomicelle curcumin treatment. Furthermore, FF levels of MDA, IL-8, and TNF-a reduced significantly after treatment in nanomicelle curcumin. Nanomicelle curcumin supplementation led to an improved number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature (MII) oocytes, fertilization, cleavage, and high-quality embryos. Nanomicelle curcumin treatment can modulate stress oxidative and inflammation in endometriosis-induced infertile patients. ART outcomes also improved after nanomicelle curcumin therapy. Our results suggest that nanomicelle curcumin can be a therapeutic target for infertile patients with endometriosis.