Metabolic imaging methods for assessment of oocytes and embryos

Abstract

The invention provides novel non-invasive in vitro to methods for assessing the metabolic condition of oocytes and / or embryos with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope, that can be used, for example, in assessment of oocytes and embryos in assisted reproductive technologies.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 750,061, filed January 8, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to methods for evaluating the metabolic status of oocytes and / or embryos, and the invention can be used, for example, in evaluating oocytes and embryos in assisted reproductive techniques. Background technique [0004] Over the past 30 years, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has revolutionized the treatment of human infertility and has become widespread. Currently in the US, ART is responsible for more than 1% of births (SART, 2005). However, the success rate of ART is low, with only 10%-35% of cycles achieving a successful birth, resulting in high costs and the use of multiple embryos, which in turn leads to a high incidence of multiple pregnancies. Mult...

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Problems solved by technology

However, recently, a prospective randomized clinical trial did not show improved selectivity using such metabolomic assessments compared to morphologic assessment alone (Vergouw et al., 2012)

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