Metabolomic profiling in culture media of day-5 human embryos

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the changes of metabolomic profiles in embryonic culture media (ECM) for the evaluation of quality and implantation potential of human embryos. ECM (n=163) were collected on day 5 before transfer or cryopreservation. Some embryos were used in preimplantation genetic screening for detection of aneuploidy karyotypes. Samples were subdivided into groups according to embryo morphological classification (by Gardner), genetic analysis and implantation data. ECM were extracted with methanol, precipitates were separated by centrifugation and metabolite production of individual embryo was analysed by LC-MS (the positive ion mode). After peak detection and retention time alignment, data were analysed using the PCA algorithm. MS fingerprinting analysis of embryo culture medium showed significant differences between morphologically divided groups. Intragroup comparisons did not reveal differences between subclasses. Genetic screening of embryos revealed 33 aneuploid karyotypes. It was shown that chromosome number did not affect the metabolite profiles comparing with the normal group. The culture media of embryos that were positive or negative for successful implantation showed specific signatures that allowed to distinguish embryos with different outcomes.The characterization of ECMs by LC-MS may facilitate more accurate selection of the best embryo for the implantation, improving single-embryo transfer and thus eliminating the risk and undesirable effects of multiple pregnancies.

Noninvasive Pregestational Genetic Testing of Embryos Using Smart Sensors Array

“…15 The application of omics sciences to embryo studies can provide a rich source of information about the physiology of the developing embryo. 16 Development and differentiation of embryos are accompanied by biological processes that occur in the embryonal cells, which are then reflected in genomic, proteomic and metabolomic hints. 17 One promising approach for the assessment of embryo characteristics in IVF could be volatile organic compound (VOC) analyses.…”