Embryo morphokinetic score is associated with biomarkers of developmental competence and implantation

Purpose To study embryo morphokinetics in relation to release in spent media of molecules with possible roles in development and implantation (miR-20a, miR-30c, and sHLA-G). Methods Data were obtained from embryos generated in standard IVF and ICSI cycles. The Eeva system was used for embryo assessment, based on early morphokinetic parameters and producing a score (1–5, best–worst) corresponding to higher/medium/lower chances of development to blastocyst. miRNAs — mm miR-20a-5p and miR-30c-5p — and sHLA-G were quantified in 25 μl of spent blastocyst media (SBM) collected before vitrification or transfer. Statistical analyses were performed applying Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient tests, where appropriate. Results SBM were collected from a total of 172 viable blastocysts. Their analysis showed that concentration of miR-20a was progressively lower as Eeva score increased and probability of development to blastocyst decreased ( P = 0.016). The opposite trend was observed in the case of miR-30c, i.e., concentration was higher as score increased and chances of development to blastocyst decreased ( P = 0.004). Analysis of sHLA-G revealed a negative correlation with Eeva score, i.e., levels were progressively lower as Eeva score increased and probability of development to blastocyst decreased ( R = − 0.388, N = 141, P = 0.001). Conclusion Our data suggest that morphokinetic algorithms that predict development to blastocyst stage, in fact, also identify embryos with molecular and cellular profiles more consistent with developmental functions.