Comparing the effects of different in vitro maturation media on IVM outcomes of MI oocytes

Abstract

Background Optimizing in vitro maturation (IVM) media for better assisted in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome has been the matter of interest in recent years. Commercial media for IVM have been commonly used while, they have several disadvantages, such as limited shelf life and more cost than standard culture media for IVF centers, where IVM services are not routinely performed. Objectives This study was performed to compare four different culture media with respect to their supplementary effects to the meiotic progression of metaphase I (MI) oocytes to full maturity in different times. Also, we compared fertilization and embryo developmental rates of oocytes undergoing IVM in stimulated intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Material and methods A total of 114 MI oocytes were divided into four groups. They were cultured for 24–48 h at 37 °C at different mediums including; homemade IVM medium (I), cleavage medium (II), blastocyst medium (III) and Sage IVM medium (IV). ICSI was performed for in vitro matured oocytes and the rates of fertilization and embryo development between groups were compared. Results There were no significant differences in total maturation, fertilization and embryo development rates between groups I–IV (p = 0.4, 0.8, and 0.8, respectively). In addition, this study showed that longer incubation time of MI oocytes did not improve the IVM outcomes. Conclusion While the immature oocytes rescued from stimulated cycles based on specific conditions of patients can be useful for an alternative IVM intervention, it seems that different commercial culture media and longer incubation time has no beneficial effects on maturation, fertilization and embryo development on oocytes at MI stage.