Recent Advances in In Vitro Fertilization: Proteomics, Secretomics, Metabolomics and In Vitro Maturation

Abstract

Since its first successful result in 1978, clinicians and researchers have been working on increasing the efficiency and safety of in vitro fertilization (IVF). As a result of advances in technology and understanding of human reproduction, IVF success rates have increased while high-order multiple pregnancy (triplets and more) rates have decreased. On the other hand, there is still opportunity for further improvement as many couples face 'unexplained infertility' and high rates of twin pregnancies. Latest technologic and scientific improvements in IVF are promising. The aim of this review is to present the latest advances in the fields of proteomics, secretomics, metabolomics and oocyte culture, how they can potentially improve embryo selection and in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequently their possible impact on the safety and efficacy of IVF.