Abstract
In Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), the pregnancy and birth rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts are still low. Recently, research in the field of ART has explored new oocyte and embryo quality selection criteria such as apoptotic markers. Many studies provided evidence that bad oocyte and embryo quality can be associated with apoptosis. The aim of this review is to summarize our current knowledge on the apoptosis process in oocytes and embryos, and focus on the possibility of using apoptotic markers as a reliable and predictive marker to select competent oocytes and embryos during IFV.