O-172 Metabolic imaging of cumulus cells to predict embryo implantation potential

AbstractStudy questionCan non-invasive metabolic imaging detect variations in cumulus cell metabolic parameters associated with a viable pregnancy of the corresponding embryo?Summary answerNoninvasive metabolic imaging can detect differences in the cumulus cell metabolic signatures between embryos that led to a viable pregnancy and those that did not.  What is known alreadyBidirectional metabolic cooperativity between the human oocyte and its surrounding cumulus cells is essential for the oocyte to acquire full developmental competency. However, the relationship between cumulus cell metabolism and oocyte viability is not well established. Metabolic imaging uses Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to non-invasively measure autofluorescence of the endogenous molecules, NADH and FAD+, which are essential coenzymes for cellular respiration and glycolysis. This technique enables quantitative information for these coenzyme concentrations and regarding metabolite enzyme engagement. We have previously shown that this technique is an effective tool for quantitatively measuring metabolic state of mouse embryos.Study design, size, durationCumulus cell clusters (n  = 617 from 193 patients) were dissected from cumulus-oocyte complexes prior to insemination or ICSI, vitrified, warmed and their metabolic function assessed. We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate to what extent cumulus cells from an oocyte that led to a viable pregnancy (pr esence of a via...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research