GM-CSF Culture Medium for Oocyte Maturation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro production (IVP) methods for oocyte maturation are inefficient, leading to low success rates in pregnancy and live births due to the inability to replicate the natural environment of the maturing follicle and reproductive tract, resulting in conditions like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and poor embryo transfer results.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the culture medium to enhance oocyte maturation and developmental competence, increasing blastocyst formation rates, inner cell mass, and reducing DNA damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard IVF procedures with large doses of gonadotropin are used, then multiple follicles can be produced for fertilization, but ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurs in approximately 5% of women
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the culture medium by adding specific growth factors (epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and follicle stimulating hormone) to replicate the natural follicular environment. This allows oocytes to mature in vitro without requiring high doses of gonadotropin, thus preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome while still achieving multiple follicle development
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses growth factors as intermediary substances that mediate between the culture medium and the oocyte. These growth factors mimic the natural signaling environment of the follicle, enabling controlled oocyte maturation without direct high-dose hormonal stimulation of the ovary, thereby avoiding OHSS
2Ease of operation
If in vitro maturation is used to reduce hormone administration, then patient convenience and cost are improved, but the efficiency of establishing pregnancies and live births is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters of the maturation medium by incorporating multiple growth factors at specific concentrations that mimic the natural follicular environment. This enhances oocyte maturation quality and developmental competence, thereby improving pregnancy establishment efficiency while maintaining the benefits of reduced hormone administration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite culture medium containing multiple growth factors (epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and follicle stimulating hormone) working synergistically. This composite formulation better replicates the complex natural environment than single-factor media, improving both oocyte quality and pregnancy outcomes
3Use of energy by moving object
If current IVM methods are used, then hormone administration is minimized, but the environment in the maturing follicle and reproductive tract is not replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the culture medium by adding specific growth factors and hormones at physiologically relevant concentrations that match the natural follicular environment. This creates an adaptive culture system that better supports oocyte maturation while maintaining low hormone administration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional culture medium that simultaneously provides structural support, nutritional requirements, and hormonal signaling necessary for oocyte maturation. The medium performs multiple functions that previously required complex in vivo environmental conditions, enabling effective IVM with minimal hormone exposure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to culture media for oocytes and uses thereof. Specifically, media for culturing an oocyte in vitro are disclosed, wherein said media comprise granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The presence of GM-CSF in the media increases the maturation and/or developmental competence of the oocyte making it suitable for use in subsequent assisted reproductive technologies. Methods for increasing the maturation and/or developmental competence of an oocyte are also disclosed.