The role of L-carnitine in the control of oxidative stress and lipid β-oxidation during in vitro follicle growth, oocyte maturation, embryonic development and cryopreservation: a review

L-carnitine has an important role in the control of oxidative stress and lipid β-oxidation during culture and cryopreservation of ovarian follicles, oocytes and embryos. This substance balances the acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio, maintains glucose metabolism and increases energy production in mitochondria. It also plays a key role in reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, by transferring palmitate to mitochondria or eliminating it to avoid toxicity. By eliminating reactive oxygen species, L-carnitine increases the percentages of mature oocytes with uniform mitochondrial distribution and improves embryo post-thaw cryotolerance. Therefore, L-carnitine controls lipid β-oxidation and oxidative stress during culture of ovarian follicles, oocyte maturation, embryonic development and cryopreservation.