Scientists Pursue Identification of Healthier Human Embryos
Embryologists at the Reproductive Science Center of New England, in conjunction with Molecular Biometrics, are engaged in a clinical study of a process known as metabolomic profiling, an advanced means of assessing embryo viability. Molecular Biometrics is a privately-held company developing novel diagnostic tools to more accurately characterize biologic function in health and disease. The purpose of the technology being developed is to offer a new method of embryo selection as a tool that is hoped to assist in the reduction of the number of embryos transferred from the laboratory to a mother’s uterus without compromising pregnancy rates.
The technology and process being studied is anticipated to enable embryologists in identifying a single embryo with excellent chances of a full pregnancy. Due to a multitude of chromosomal abnormalities which exist in most embryos, a significant number do not implant successfully. Others spontaneously miscarry soon after implantation. Traditionally, in vitro fertilization (IVF) specialists have improved the odds of success by transferring more than one embryo to a woman’s uterus. Physicians are moving away from this practice because it increases the chances of high-order multiple births (triplets or more) and, consequently, increased health risks to both mother and child.
“Ideally, by improving the process of embryo selection, we can reduce multiple births and optimize birth outcomes,” explains Dr. Kathryn Go, laboratory director of the Reproductive Science Center of New England. Dr. Go further states that, “This study represents just one of the many techniques that could help the advancement of embryology technology."
Metabolomic profiling is an analytical process of evaluating the composition of the culture medium, a laboratory-made liquid composed of protein, salt, and antibiotics. The medium is designed to help the embryo grow during the first days of division after the egg retrieval stage of IVF treatment. The current study is designed to determine if the metabolic activity of the embryo changes the culture medium in a way that can reflect its relative health or its stress. Embryos that have been stressed are generally not as likely to implant.
In this study, culture medium samples from 200 embryos selected for IVF transfer are being evaluated. By testing the environment in which the embryo grows it is hoped to enhance selection of the highest quality embryos for in vitro fertilization transfer.
