P-530 Precise quantification of DNA in spent culture media sheds light on associations between DNA quantity, embryonic ploidy status and morphological quality
Authors: Savash M , Meseguer Escrivá M , Giménez Rodríguez C , Bori L , Wells D 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Is it possible to accurately measure cell-free DNA (cfDNA) quantity in embryo spent culture media, and are amounts correlated with embryo morphological and/or chromosomal status?

Summary answer

A sensitive DNA quantification method was created, demonstrating that cfDNA quantity is not associated with embryo ploidy, but increases when embryos are of poor morphology.

What is known already

Preimplantation genetic testing involves embryo biopsy, necessitating specialist equipment and highly trained staff, increasing costs. Additionally, there have been concerns over potential embryo damage to the embryo resulting from biopsy. The discovery of cfDNA in medium in which embryos were cultured, led to suggestions that non-invasive PGT (niPGT) might be possible. However, the amount of cfDNA in media samples, and potential correlations with other aspects of embryo biology, require clarification. We aimed to provide the first accurate measurement of the amount of DNA in spent culture medium, providing insights into whether niPGT is likely to provide acceptable accuracy rates.

Study design, size, duration

This prospective analysis involved media samples from 151 fresh embryos, which were produced at a single IVF clinic over the course of one year. Embryos were cultured individually, with a medium change on day-3 of development. Trophectoderm biopsy was undertaken on day-5/-6, followed by PGT-A. Embryo morphology was assessed according to ASEBIR criteria (ranked A-C).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The culture and biopsy protocols used were standard for the clinic. Media was collected prior to biopsy and underwent a novel quantitative whole genome amplification method, allowing precise measurement of DNA with respect to a standard curve generated using samples containing known amounts of DNA. PGT-A involved the use of a highly validated method, based upon next generation sequencing. Correlation between DNA quantity and embryo morphological quality was also studied. Data were analyzed using ANOVA.

Main results and the role of chance

There was no difference in the quantity of DNA in media samples associated with euploid and aneuploid embryos (mean DNA quantity and standard deviations were 1.72 ± 3.23 pg and 1.54 ± 3.66 pg for aneuploid and euploid embryos, respectively; p = 0.75). Overall, 91% of media samples contained less than the equivalent of one cell (&lt;5pg of DNA) and almost two-thirds of samples (65%) contained less than 1pg of DNA. Given such low quantities of embryonic DNA, achieving accurate genetic testing is likely to be challenging. Drops that held embryos until day-6 had significantly higher levels of DNA than those associated with culture to day-5 (P &lt; 0.0001), suggesting cfDNA accumulates with time. Thus, longer culture periods are likely to yield more DNA for analysis. Comparing the amount of cfDNA with morphological status revealed a significant association. Embryos of fair quality (C) tended to have higher quantities of DNA in spent culture medium, whereas top-quality embryos (classified as A or B) typically had less (mean and standard deviation of DNA quantity: 1.23 ± 3.14 pg for class A and B versus 2.60 ± 3.85 pg for class C; p &lt; 0.05). This may reflect increased cell death and DNA release in poorer quality embryos.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This project is limited by its single-centre nature and relatively small sample size. A large-scale, multicentre study would be necessary to confirm these results.

Wider implications of the findings

It has been hypothesised that cfDNA quantity in culture medium may be predictive of embryo chromosomal status. We found no evidence to support this. Although DNA quantities were higher after culture to day-6, levels remained low, calling into question the ability of niPGT to deliver high accuracy diagnosis of embryos.

Trial registration number

not applicable