J Assist Reprod Genet. 2021 Apr 5. doi: 10.1007/s10815-021-02162-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To study embryo morphokinetics in relation to release in spent media of molecules with possible roles in development and implantation (miR-20a, miR-30c, and sHLA-G).
METHODS: Data were obtained from embryos generated in standard IVF and ICSI cycles. The Eeva system was used for embryo assessment, based on early morphokinetic parameters and producing a score (1-5, best-worst) corresponding to higher/medium/lower chances of development to blastocyst. miRNAs – mm miR-20a-5p and miR-30c-5p – and sHLA-G were quantified in 25 μl of spent blastocyst media (SBM) collected before vitrification or transfer. Statistical analyses were performed applying Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient tests, where appropriate.
RESULTS: SBM were collected from a total of 172 viable blastocysts. Their analysis showed that concentration of miR-20a was progressively lower as Eeva score increased and probability of development to blastocyst decreased (P = 0.016). The opposite trend was observed in the case of miR-30c, i.e., concentration was higher as score increased and chances of development to blastocyst decreased (P = 0.004). Analysis of sHLA-G revealed a negative correlation with Eeva score, i.e., levels were progressively lower as Eeva score increased and probability of development to blastocyst decreased (R = – 0.388, N = 141, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that morphokinetic algorithms that predict development to blastocyst stage, in fact, also identify embryos with molecular and cellular profiles more consistent with developmental functions.
PMID:33821429 | DOI:10.1007/s10815-021-02162-9
