GDF9 concentration in embryo culture medium is linked to human embryo quality and viability

We aimed to evaluate the link between the GDF9 concentration in day 3 human embryo culture medium and embryo quality and viability.

Two independent, prospective, observational studies were conducted. In study 1, a total of 280 embryos from 70 patients who obtained at least 4 embryos with 6-10 blastomeres (2 transferable and 2 non-transferable embryos) at day 3 were enrolled. In study 2, a total of 119 embryos from 61 patients (29 fully implanted and 32 non-implanted patients) were enrolled. The corresponding GDF9 concentrations in spent culture medium of embryos were quantified by ELISA assay. The expression pattern of GDF9 in human embryos was investigated using Q-PCR and immunofluorescence.

GDF9 mRNA and protein were detected from human oocytes to eight-cell embryos and displayed a slow decreasing trend. In study 1, GDF9 concentration in culture medium is lower for transferable embryos compared with non-transferable embryos (331 pg/mL (quartiles: 442, 664 pg/mL) vs. 518 pg/mL (quartiles: 328, 1086 pg/mL), P < 0.001), and increased commensurate with the diminution of the embryo quality (P < 0.001). In study 2, significantly lower GDF9 concentration was detected for implanted embryos than non-implanted embryos (331 pg/mL (quartiles: 156, 665 pg/mL) vs. 518 pg/mL (quartiles: 328, 1086 pg/mL), P < 0.001). The same trend was found between the embryos that led to live birth and those that failed.

The GDF9 concentration in culture medium is linked to embryo quality and viability, and exhibited the potential to be a non-invasive biomarker for embryo selection.