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Embryo morphokinetic score is associated with biomarkers of developmental competence and implantation

  • Embryo Biology
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

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Acknowledgements

This research was financially supported by Merck Serono S.p.A., Italy, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 9.baby Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante, 15, 40125, Bologna, Italy

    Giovanni Coticchio, Francesca Pennetta, Nicoletta Tarozzi, Marco Nadalini & Andrea Borini

  2. Simple Departmental Operative Unit, Reproductive Pathophysiology, Anastasia Guerriero Hospital, Marcianise, Caserta, Italy

    Francesca Pennetta

  3. Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy

    Roberta Rizzo

  4. Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy

    Giovanna Orlando & Chiara Centonze

  5. Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy

    Giorgia Gioacchini

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  1. Giovanni Coticchio
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  2. Francesca Pennetta
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  3. Roberta Rizzo
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  4. Nicoletta Tarozzi
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  5. Marco Nadalini
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  8. Giorgia Gioacchini
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  9. Andrea Borini
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Correspondence to Giovanni Coticchio.

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Giovanna Orlando is no longer an employee of Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy.

Merck Serono S.p.A. is an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

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Coticchio, G., Pennetta, F., Rizzo, R. et al. Embryo morphokinetic score is associated with biomarkers of developmental competence and implantation. J Assist Reprod Genet 38, 1737–1743 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-021-02162-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-021-02162-9

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