Estradiol Ester Measurement for Oocyte Quality Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack reliable biomarkers to assess oocyte quality and predict the success of fertilization and embryonic development in assisted reproductive technology (ART), and there is a need for non-invasive tools to monitor follicular redox state and individual response to treatments for female infertility.

Innovation Solution

The method involves measuring the level of estradiol esters (EEST) in ovarian follicular fluid (FF) and plasma to evaluate oocyte quality and predict fertilization potential, using a kit to perform the analysis and determine the redox state of follicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current methods are used to assess oocyte quality, then no reliable prediction of fertilization success is available, but the lack of biomarkers makes monitoring treatment response difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoocyte quality assessment accuracyVSAvoidtreatment response monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures estradiol ester levels as a specific biochemical parameter in follicular fluid to assess oocyte quality and predict fertilization success. This parameter change approach transforms the assessment from subjective morphological evaluation to objective biochemical measurement, enabling both accurate oocyte quality prediction and treatment response monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If invasive methods are used to obtain follicular fluid for analysis, then accurate redox state measurement is possible, but patient comfort and procedure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefollicular redox state measurement accuracyVSAvoidsample collection invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses plasma as an intermediary medium that reflects the follicular redox state without requiring direct follicular fluid aspiration. Plasma samples can be obtained through simple venipuncture, serving as a non-invasive proxy that maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for transvaginal follicle puncture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If morphological evaluation methods are used to select oocytes, then the selection process is simple, but the prediction of fertilization potential is unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoocyte selection simplicityVSAvoidfertilization success prediction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/morphological evaluation system with a biochemical measurement system. Instead of visually assessing oocyte structure and morphology, the method measures estradiol ester levels in follicular fluid or plasma, substituting subjective visual assessment with objective biochemical data that reliably predicts fertilization potential

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4345456B1Method for assessing oocytes quality

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 GLOBAL LIFE SRL

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a method for monitoring the progression of follicular development and oocyte maturation which includes measuring the level of esterified estradiol (EEST). The biomarker herein identified can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of new or existing therapies for the treatment of infertility or to improve fertilization in women with normal cycles or under hormonal stimulation and as a tool to identify new drugs.