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Release of superoxide dismutase-1 by day 3 embryos of varying quality and implantation potential

  • ASSISTED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES
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Abstract

Purpose

To determine if the antioxidant superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1 or Cu,Zn-SOD) is released by cultured human cleavage-stage embryos and to assess any link between SOD1 and implantation potential.

Methods

Women (n = 91; ≤40 years old) undergoing IVF treatment with transfer of one or two 8-cell embryos that resulted in 0 or 100% implantation were included. Following individual embryo culture, spent medium samples (n = 122) were collected and levels of SOD1 protein were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SOD1 detection and concentration in embryo spent medium were analyzed in relation to embryo fragmentation and symmetry scores, and implantation (viable fetus at >12 weeks).

Results

Cleavage-stage embryos release SOD1 protein into the spent culture medium. Neither detection nor concentration of SOD1 was related to implantation. There was a positive relationship between increased embryo fragmentation scores and SOD1 release, with no apparent association with symmetry. In non-pregnant cycles, the release of SOD1 decreased with increasing maternal age.

Conclusions

While SOD1 does not predict implantation potential of select good-quality embryos, our data support the need to evaluate the biological significance of released SOD1 by embryos of varying quality and from patients of varying age.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, Middlebury College, McCardell Bicentennial Hall 346, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA

    Catherine M. H. Combelles & Emily A. Holick

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Catherine Racowsky

Authors
  1. Catherine M. H. Combelles
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  2. Emily A. Holick
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  3. Catherine Racowsky
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Correspondence to Catherine M. H. Combelles.

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Capsule

Release of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase-1 by human 8-cell embryos bears no relationship to blastomere symmetry or implantation potential, but increases with increased embryo fragmentation.

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Combelles, C.M.H., Holick, E.A. & Racowsky, C. Release of superoxide dismutase-1 by day 3 embryos of varying quality and implantation potential. J Assist Reprod Genet 29, 305–311 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-012-9711-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-012-9711-4

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