Figure 4.

During IVP, bovine oocytes and embryos are assaulted by several external factors that include temperature fluctuations, exposure to atmospheric oxygen, pH changes and light exposure and potentially undergo cryopreservation. These stimuli increase ROS and RNS. When left uncontrolled, substantial damage may occur that includes DNA damage, alterations in methylation profile, lipid peroxidation, and protein modifications. However, if controlled by intrinsic mitigation pathways including SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPx or by antioxidant supplementation, ROS and RNS have a reduced detrimental effect that improves embryonic development. Created with Biorender.com.