Embryonic platelet-activating factor: an indicator of embryo viability.
BACKGROUND
A definitive need exists to identify a biomarker of embryonic viability. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) production by human embryos is related to pregnancy potential.


METHODS
Conditioned embryo culture media were obtained following conventional IVF on day 3, with PAF levels and pregnancy outcomes correlated.


RESULTS
Overall pregnancy rate was 68% (17/25) with a mean of 84.1 (+/- 8.5) pmol/l/embryo PAF level. PAF levels ranged from a 216.4 pmol/l/embryo (pregnant) to a 3.7 pmol/l/embryo (not pregnant). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in PAF content between pregnant (92.1 +/- 9.5 pmol/l/embryo) and non-pregnant groups (52.5 +/- 16.6 pmol/l/embryo). Patients were categorized into three groups based upon PAF levels: low (< or= 5 pmol/l/embryo); medium (51-100 pmol/l/embryo) and high (>100 pmol/l/embryo). The low (60%) group had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower pregnancy rate than either the medium (85%) or high (89%) groups. A receiver-operator characteristic curve predicted a cut-off limit of 45 pmol/l/embryo for PAF content in human embryo conditioned culture media.


CONCLUSIONS
The data demonstrate a correlation between PAF levels in human embryo conditioned culture media and pregnancy outcome. Additionally, as embryonic PAF levels increase so does the corresponding pregnancy rate. Therefore, PAF may be used as an indicator of embryo viability and for predicting pregnancy outcome.
Roudebush
W E
WE
Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, USA. Roudebush@rba-online.com
Wininger
J D
JD
Jones
A E
AE
Wright
G
G
Toledo
A A
AA
Kort
H I
HI
Massey
J B
JB
Shapiro
D B
DB
D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012372:ROC Curve
D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor