Embryo-conditioned media affect the functional state of endothelial cells

Currently, the main method of selecting high-quality embryos in assisted reproduction is based on morphological evaluation. In order to standardize the selection process and increase transfer efficiency, it is necessary to develop other objective, non-invasive methods. One potential approach is the assessment of soluble factors in media samples collected during embryo incubation. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IP-10, G-CSF, and GM-CSF in embryo-conditioned media, as well as assess the effect of these media on the functional activity of endothelial cells. We did not find stable levels of these cytokines in the embryo-conditioned medium after 2 days of incubation. Nevertheless, the media obtained from embryos of quality A and AB, consisting of 3 or 4 cells, had an effect on the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. In the future, it will be necessary to identify the nature of active molecules present in embryo-conditioned media in order to determine their potential as markers for selecting the best embryos.