Derivative Three-Dimensional Synchronous Fluorescence Analysis of Tear Fluid and Their Processing for the Diagnosis of Glaucoma

New approaches in the analysis of spent embryo culture media in the IVF process

PURPOSE

In vitro fertilization occurs in a controlled laboratory setting, where oocytes are fertilized by sperm, and the resulting embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage before transfer to the uterus. The secreted/consumed substances by the embryo in the extracellular environment (secretome) contain a variety of molecules that may provide insights into embryo quality. This study presents new perspectives on the non-invasive and cost-effective assessment and evaluation of embryos during the IVF process, utilizing a spent embryo culture medium (SECM).

METHODS

The SECM was used from blastocysts prepared for a single blastocyst transfer and was analyzed in two groups-the SECM with successful (F) (n = 30) and unsuccessful (N) (n = 36) embryo implantation in the woman's uterus. Building on our previous next-generation sequencing results, we decided to validate the expression levels of specific miRNAs, particularly hsa-miR-16-5p and hsa-miR-92a-3p, to assess their potential to predict embryo implantation success.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate different expression levels of miRNA molecules in the monitored groups, which could lead to their use in non-invasive analysis of the implantation potential of embryos in the IVF process. In this study, we employed a metabolomics approach using 3D fluorescence analysis of SECM to identify differences between the studied groups, F and N. Our preliminary results indicate a slightly increased metabolic activity in the group with unsuccessful embryo implantation group.

CONCLUSIONS

This is our pilot study where we demonstrated the use of two approaches in analyzing the SECM to predict the implantation potential of embryos in the IVF process which promises further development.

Development status of novel spectral imaging techniques and application to traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a treasure of the Chinese nation, providing effective solutions to current medical requisites. Various spectral techniques are undergoing continuous development and provide new and reliable means for evaluating the efficacy and quality of TCM. Because spectral techniques are noninvasive, convenient, and sensitive, they have been widely applied to in vitro and in vivo TCM evaluation systems. In this paper, previous achievements and current progress in the research on spectral technologies (including fluorescence spectroscopy, photoacoustic imaging, infrared thermal imaging, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy) are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of each technology are also presented. Moreover, the future applications of spectral imaging to identify the origins, components, and pesticide residues of TCM in vitro are elucidated. Subsequently, the evaluation of the efficacy of TCM in vivo is presented. Identifying future applications of spectral imaging is anticipated to promote medical research as well as scientific and technological explorations.