Effect of hyaluronan-enriched embryo transfer medium on IVF outcome: a prospective randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Our results suggest that hyaluronan enrichment of the embryo transfer media does not seem to have any beneficial effect on IVF outcome. However, further study is needed to clarify the role of hyaluronan in the implantation process and on the birth weight.

Effect of hyaluronic acid–enriched transfer medium on frozen–thawed embryo transfer outcomes

“…Several studies have indicated that HA‐enriched medium can improve the IR and clinical PR . In contrast, other studies have reported no beneficial effects of HA …”

Regulation and roles of the hyaluronan system in mammalian reproduction

“…HA has also been shown to improve the cryotolerance of blastocysts, which then leads to increased birth rates in cows (Lane et al 2003), mice (Palasz et al 1993) and ewes (Dattena et al 2007). On the contrary, in a randomised clinical trial of human IVF, hyaluronan enrichment of the embryo transfer media did not have any beneficial effects on IVF outcome in terms of clinical pregnancy implantation and delivery rates, although higher birthweights occurred in the HA group (Fancsovits et al 2015). However, the inhibition of HA synthesis by 4-methyumbelliferone (4-MU) suppressed blastocyst formation in sheep, indicating the critical role of HA in embryo development in this species.…”

Considerations Regarding Embryo Culture Conditions: From Media to Epigenetics

“…According to Fancsovits et al, the addition of hyaluronic acid did not have any beneficial effect on the pregnancy nor the implantation or the delivery rates. However, they reported higher birth weight when hyaluronic acid was used at high concentration (42).…”

“…It is a source of hormones, energy, vitamins, and various other factors, while it maintains pH buffer function, membrane stabilization, osmotic pressure and scavenging of toxic substances. Finally, it prevents embryos from adhering to the culture dish (42). Regarding humans, the effect of protein source/human serum albumin was first investigated by Zhu et al, who concluded that the protein source affected birthweight in humans (30).…”