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Gray level Co-occurrence Matrices (GLCM) to assess microstructural and textural changes in pre-implantation embryos
Tiffany C Y Tan1,2, Lesley J Ritter1,2,3, Annie Whitty1,2
1Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Molecular Reproduction and Development
|July 14, 2016
Summary
In vitro embryo culture alters mouse embryo metabolism and development. Texture analysis of metabolic markers offers new insights into embryo quality beyond simple fluorescence intensity measurements.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Preimplantation embryos are sensitive to environmental factors, with in vitro culture potentially impacting development.
- Current imaging technologies limit the detailed assessment of metabolic changes in embryos.
- Understanding in vitro culture's effects on embryo metabolism is crucial for improving developmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of in vitro fertilization and culture on mouse embryo metabolism.
- To evaluate DNA damage in embryos cultured in vitro.
- To develop a robust metric of embryo quality using advanced imaging analysis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed metabolic markers: peroxyfluor 1 (hydrogen peroxide), monochlorobimane (glutathione), and Mitotracker Deep Red (mitochondria).
- Evaluated histone 2AX gamma (γH2AX) for DNA damage in 2-cell, 8-cell, and blastocyst stages.
- Employed Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) for textural analysis of fluorescence intensity.
Main Results:
- In vitro culture significantly modified metabolic parameters in mouse embryos.
- Altered fluorescence texture, identified by GLCM, indicated metabolic changes.
- Texture analysis provided insights into embryo programming beyond conventional intensity measurements.
Conclusions:
- In vitro embryo culture induces identifiable metabolic alterations in mouse embryos.
- Texture analysis of metabolic markers is a promising approach for assessing embryo quality.
- This method enhances our understanding of embryo programming influenced by in vitro conditions.
