Naomi Inoue1, Yoshihiro Nishida2, Emi Harada1, Kumiko Sakai1, Hisashi Narahara1. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan. ynishida@oita-u.ac.jp.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has significantly advanced; however, morphological evaluation remains as the chosen method of assessment of embryo quality. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine metabolic changes in embryo culture medium to develop a non-invasive method for evaluation of embryo quality. METHODS: We performed metabolic analysis of culture medium obtained from a single blastocyst cultured for freezing. RESULTS: In total, 187 (39.8%) of the 469 detectable organic acid metabolites were identified. A significant change (p < 0.05) was observed in eight metabolites between the good-quality and poor-quality embryo groups. Differences were observed in several metabolic pathways between the good-quality and poor-quality embryo groups. Metabolites that showed significant changes were primarily involved in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids. CONCLUSION: The quantification of metabolism in human embryos may assist in identification and selection of good-quality embryos with high rates of survival before freezing and implantation in conjunction with morphological classification. This may help to identify embryos with high rates of survival.
INTRODUCTION: The field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has significantly advanced; however, morphological evaluation remains as the chosen method of assessment of embryo quality. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine metabolic changes in embryo culture medium to develop a non-invasive method for evaluation of embryo quality. METHODS: We performed metabolic analysis of culture medium obtained from a single blastocyst cultured for freezing. RESULTS: In total, 187 (39.8%) of the 469 detectable organic acid metabolites were identified. A significant change (p < 0.05) was observed in eight metabolites between the good-quality and poor-quality embryo groups. Differences were observed in several metabolic pathways between the good-quality and poor-quality embryo groups. Metabolites that showed significant changes were primarily involved in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids. CONCLUSION: The quantification of metabolism in human embryos may assist in identification and selection of good-quality embryos with high rates of survival before freezing and implantation in conjunction with morphological classification. This may help to identify embryos with high rates of survival.