Time to take human embryo culture seriously

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology and developmental science.
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) safety and efficacy.

Background:

• Published data suggest embryo culture media composition may influence offspring phenotype.
• ART safety, particularly offspring health, is paramount.
• Commercial culture media formulations have evolved rapidly, often lacking full documentation or justification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the effects of embryo culture media on embryo development.
• To assess the safety implications of ART procedures concerning offspring health.
• To provide recommendations for end-users regarding culture media transparency.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Data on the potential effects of culture media on embryo development were assessed.
• Recommendations were formulated for users of human embryo culture media.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates that the in vitro environment, including culture media, can reprogram embryonic growth.
• This reprogramming may lead to alterations in fetal growth, birthweight, and long-term health, potentially via epigenetic changes.
• Commercially available media formulations are often not fully documented or justified.

Conclusions:

• There is a strong case for demanding full transparency regarding the composition and scientific rationale of embryo culture media.
• Further large-scale randomized trials are needed to fully understand the link between culture media and offspring phenotype.
• The long-term health implications of phenotypic changes induced by in vitro embryo culture remain uncertain.