Culture Media, DNA
Conditions
Keywords
Human embryo, Culture media, Cell-free DNA, In vitro fertilization, Infertility
Brief summary
In the present project we propose to deeply characterize nuclear and/or mitochondrial DNA in embryo culture medium, in order to investigate whether both cell-free nucleic acid types may provide additional, reliable, predictive parameters for embryo viability and implantation potential.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Merck Serono S.A., Geneva
IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
2 Days to 7 Days
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* We will enroll in the study only embryos obtained from fresh gametes. It is to note that we currently transfer more than one embryo (with a maximum of 3, according to patient's age) and we will follow such criteria alongside the project. Consequently, we will take into consideration this aspect in correlating DNA parameters with embryo's outcome.
Exclusion criteria
* We will exclude cryopreserved embryos, in order to avoid potential biases due to cooling/defrosting procedures.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Isolation and characterization of nuclear and/or mitocondrial DNA into embryo culture medium | Month 6 of the project |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Prediction of high quality embryos according to molecular profiling of cell-free DNA released into culture medium. | Month 12 of the project |
| Publication of scientific reports. | Month 12 of the project |
| Dissemination of results by participating at national and international meetings, workshops and specific courses. | Months 3-12 of the project |
Countries
Italy
Outcome results
None listed