Research about embryo biomarkers

Dr. Kaylen Silverberg, served as the principal investigator on a worldwide embryo biomarker study. It could lead to a more precise method of selecting viable embryos for transfer in IVF cycles.  The findings will hopefully benefit couples that struggle with infertility and recurrent miscarriage. It could also help women of advanced maternal age.

“We are optimistic that this new protocol for objectively identifying the most viable embryos will greatly improve a couple’s odds of conceiving a healthy baby,” says Dr. Silverberg. “The outdated, subjective method that relied on visual assessment of embryo health has served us well for many years.  We now have new technologies that can hopefully propel us to even higher success rates; it is time for a change. “

All about embryo biomarkers

Embryos secrete chemicals into the media in which they grow during their brief stay outside of a human uterus in a fertility laboratory. Many of these biomarkers have been associated with enhanced embryonic viability based on whether they are produced in higher or lower concentrations during embryonic development.

“Simply put,” says Dr. Silverberg, “these biomarkers help fertility doctors and embryologists determine whether an embryo is growing normally or dying.”

The technique

After retrieving the eggs, fertilizing them with sperm, and growing them in the in-vitro fertilization
laboratory for 3-5 days, infertility doctors and embryologists have historically selected the embryos to transfer based on their appearance under the microscope.  Those embryos with the greatest number of cells containing equal size and shape are typically selected to be transferred back in to the uterus to continue the journey to a healthy pregnancy.

While relatively effective, this technique has limited ability to determine which embryos are most likely to implant, as at least 60% of human embryos that may appear normal under a microscope are in fact, chromosomally abnormal and destined to either not implant or miscarry.

Fertility doctors around the globe are collaborating on this study with the goal of dramatically
changing how the scientific community determines embryo viability. Contact us for more information about embryo biomarkers.