Analysis of human embryo culture medium metabolites

Aim. To investigate metabolites of spent embryo culture media, including those containinggranulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and identify molecular profiles that enable prediction of the human embryo implantation potential. Materials and methods. We used samples of spent human embryo culture media with and without GM-CSF. The embryos were obtained from patients undergoing an IVF (ICSI). Metabolites were detected in the spent human embryo culture media using the HPLC-MS in the positive ion detection mode. After identifying chromatographic peaks, alignment of chromatograms, and better visualization of metabolite profiles in the compared samples, we conducted partial least squares discriminant analysis. Results. Metabolic profiling enabled the detection of significant differences between the spent human embryo culture media of implanted and non-implanted embryos, regardless of the culture medium type. We identified molecular ions which levels were significantly changed in the culture media of the implanted embryos. A comparative analysis of potential metabolites in culture media showed that the presence of GM-CSF could potentially affect the metabolism of fatty acids in implanted embryos. The regulation of the metabolism of fatty acids involved in structural, nutritional, and signaling functions plays an essential role in early embryonic development. Therefore, the presence of GM- CSF in the culture medium can facilitate adequate embryonic development and exert a positive effect on implantation potential. Conclusion. Metabolomic profiling of embryo culture media constituents offers a more accurate selection for elective single-embryo transfer to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.

GM-CSF, mass spectrometry, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF, metabolomic profiling, embryo culture, culture medium, human embryo, implantation