miRNA-191 and miRNA-548c-3p Expression in Embryo Culture Medium and Their Association with Chromosomal Status

Abstract

Purpose: microRNA (miRNA) is expressed by the human embryos and shows the difference between euploid and aneuploid embryos. miRNA secreted on culture media is expected to be a biomarker for embryo chromosomal status testing. This research aims to analyse the relationship between expression level of miRNA-191 and miRNA-548c-3p in embryo culture media and embryo chromosomal status.

Methods: This cross-sectional research was done on 30 embryos from 12 patients age 28-40 years old who underwent an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program in three clinics. Embryos were cultured until blastocyst stage. PGT-A was done after blastocyst biopsy on day 5 or 6, and chromosomal analysis was done using the NGS method. The expression levels of miRNA-191 and miRNA-548c-3p were analysed from culture media sample of the embryo using qPCR method. Then the relationship between miRNA-191 and miRNA-548c-3p expression level with embryo chromosomal status was analysed.

Results: There is no difference in subjects’ characteristics between the euploid and aneuploid embryo groups (p>0.05). There is no significant difference in the expression level of miRNA-191 of the euploid and aneuploid embryo groups. (median quantification 7.260 vs 1.039 with p=0.497). There is no significant difference in the expression level of miRNA-548c-3p of the euploid and aneuploid embryo groups. (median quantification 1.919 vs 4.311 with p=0.707).

Conclusion: miRNA-191 expression level and miRNA-548c-3p expression level has no relationship with embryo chromosomal status. The level expression of miRNA-191 and miRNA-548c-3p in embryo culture has not been a good biomarker candidate for embryo chromosomal status.