InfertilityGXNCT06261671
Effect of Antioxydant-enriched Media on Blastocyst Euploidy Rates.
A study testing antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) in people with Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization, run by ART Fertility Clinics LLC at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
Trial summary
One of the most sensible factors in IVF culture conditions is the susceptibility of gametes and embryos to an induced increase in reactive oxidative species (ROS) caused by the artificial environment. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 43 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Infertility, In Vitro Fertilization
- What is being tested?
- antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 500 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Arab Emirates
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2024to 31 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 43 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles when ICSI is indicated.
- Patients when Iin vitto fertilization (IVF) is also performed will be included as far as there are enough oocytes for ICSI randomization. However, IVF oocytes will not be used for the study.
- Maternal age 18-43 years old.
- PGT-A cycles with only trophectoderm biopsies on day 5/6/7.
- Patients with more than 6 COCs expected for ICSI.
- Body mass index <35.
- Fresh and frozen ejaculated sperm.
Who cannot join
- PGT-M cycles
- Fresh and frozen testicular sperm.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United Arab Emirates1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
ART Fertility Clinics LLC
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, 60202
Barbara Lawrenz, PhD, +97102 652 8000 ext. 1108, barbara.lawrenz@artfertilityclinics.com
Jonalyn Edades, +97102 652 8000 ext. 1106, jonalyn.edades@artfertilityclinics.com
About this study
Official title: Antioxidants-enriched Single-step vs Global Total Single-step Embryo Culture Media: Effect on Blastocyst Euploidy Rates.
One of the most sensible factors in IVF culture conditions is the susceptibility of gametes and embryos to an induced increase in reactive oxidative species (ROS) caused by the artificial environment. This study aims to evaluate the impact of using antioxidant-supplemented media during culture to evaluate embryo ploidy rates in a prospective randomized trial using sibling oocytes.
Read the detailed description
Improvements in culture conditions is an ongoing process in IVF due to, on one hand, the still lack of knowledge on human embryonic development, and, on the other hand, the frequent need for repeated IVF cycles to achieve an 'implantable' embryo. The main factor for optimizing conditions of an embryo to develop is its microenvironment, mainly the culture media used. One of the most sensible factors in IVF culture conditions is the susceptibility of gametes and embryos to an induced increase in reactive oxidative species (ROS) caused by the artificial environment, as it has been extensively shown in animal models and to a certain extent in humans.
A primordial step for improvement is to alleviate an increase in ROS during embryo development. This can be manipulated by means of utilizing a culture media with supplements that can serve as scavengers, leading to an equilibrium between oxidation and reduction of ROS during the culture period. So far, the produced culture media contain low concentrations of limited additives involved in anti-oxidative stress. Recently, a culture medium containing an implementation in higher doses of distinctive elements known to clearly serve as cellular scavengers has been formulated. However, very few human IVF studies have been performed up to date. Our research intends to investigate the incorporation of antioxidant-rich culture media into IVF practices with the primary objective of analyzing its impact on embryo euploidy, as well as the previous culture steps including fertilization and blastocyst developmental rates. This study aims to evaluate the impact of using antioxidant-supplemented media during culture to evaluate embryo ploidy rates in a prospective randomized trial using sibling oocytes.
- Conditions
- Infertility, In Vitro Fertilization
- Being tested
- antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx)
- Keywords
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, Pre - implanttaion genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy, Antioxydante, Culture media, Embryo development, Euploidy
- Medical subject headings
- Infertility
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx)Drug
Also called Global total one step media (GT)
Blastocyst will be in continuous culture conditions (parallel antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) and Global total one step media (GT) without refreshment on day 3. A refreshment of the media will be done on D5 in both groups.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) | Active comparator | Blastocyst exposed to antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) in continuous culture conditions, without refreshment on day 3. A refreshment of the media will be done on D5 in both groups. Receives: Drug: antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) |
| Group 2: Global total one step media (GT) | Active comparator | Blastocyst exposed to Global total one step media (GT) in continuous culture conditions, without refreshment on day 3. A refreshment of the media will be done on D5 in both groups. Receives: Drug: antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Blastocyst ploidy is determined after a biopsy of trophectoderm cells, taken from the blastocyst on day 5, 6 or 7 from development. The following outcomes are possible: • Normal • Abnormal • No result/Inconclusive • Low or high Mosaic
Ploidy rate is calculated by dividing the number of normal embryos by the number of blastocysts biopsied in the group.
Measured: 1 year
Secondary outcomes (1)
Cycle ploidy rate: the number of euploid embryos in the group Blastocyst quality at the time of biopsy based on modified Gardner's criteria. Usable blastocyst rate per group and per day of biopsy (day 5, 6, 7)
Ploidy rate is calculated by dividing the number of normal embryos by the number of blastocysts biopsied in the group.
Measured: 1 year
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Feb 2024
- Study start1 Feb 2024
- Primary completion31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (23)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for InfertilityStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A randomization list (indicating Gx Media Vitrolife or GT Coopersurgical) will be used to verify to which group the first half of oocytes will be allocated to. In case an odd number of oocytes is present, one extra oocyte is allocated to the group as indicated by the randomization list.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 500 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- ART Fertility Clinics LLC
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Barbara Lawrenz, Study director, ART Fertility Clinics LLC
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06261671
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2312-ABU-028-VF
- Acronym
- GX
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 8 Feb 2024
- Last updated
- 21 Feb 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Meldrum DR, Casper RF, Diez-Juan A, Simon C, Domar AD, Frydman R. Aging and the environment affect gamete and embryo potential: can we intervene? Fertil Steril. 2016 Mar;105(3):548-559. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.01.013. Epub 2016 Jan 23.
PubMed 26812244von Mengden L, Klamt F, Smitz J. Redox Biology of Human Cumulus Cells: Basic Concepts, Impact on Oocyte Quality, and Potential Clinical Use. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2020 Mar 10;32(8):522-535. doi: 10.1089/ars.2019.7984.
PubMed 31861967Ruder EH, Hartman TJ, Blumberg J, Goldman MB. Oxidative stress and antioxidants: exposure and impact on female fertility. Hum Reprod Update. 2008 Jul-Aug;14(4):345-57. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmn011. Epub 2008 Jun 4.
PubMed 18535004Chambers GM, Dyer S, Zegers-Hochschild F, de Mouzon J, Ishihara O, Banker M, Mansour R, Kupka MS, Adamson GD. International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies world report: assisted reproductive technology, 2014dagger. Hum Reprod. 2021 Oct 18;36(11):2921-2934. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deab198.
PubMed 34601605Halliwell B, Aruoma OI. DNA damage by oxygen-derived species. Its mechanism and measurement in mammalian systems. FEBS Lett. 1991 Apr 9;281(1-2):9-19. doi: 10.1016/0014-5793(91)80347-6.
PubMed 1849843Kehrer JP, Lund LG. Cellular reducing equivalents and oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med. 1994 Jul;17(1):65-75. doi: 10.1016/0891-5849(94)90008-6.
PubMed 7959167Aitken RJ. Impact of oxidative stress on male and female germ cells: implications for fertility. Reproduction. 2020 Apr;159(4):R189-R201. doi: 10.1530/REP-19-0452.
PubMed 31846434Ruder EH, Hartman TJ, Goldman MB. Impact of oxidative stress on female fertility. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Jun;21(3):219-22. doi: 10.1097/gco.0b013e32832924ba.
PubMed 19469044Agarwal A, Said TM. Role of sperm chromatin abnormalities and DNA damage in male infertility. Hum Reprod Update. 2003 Jul-Aug;9(4):331-45. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmg027.
PubMed 12926527Lian HY, Gao Y, Jiao GZ, Sun MJ, Wu XF, Wang TY, Li H, Tan JH. Antioxidant supplementation overcomes the deleterious effects of maternal restraint stress-induced oxidative stress on mouse oocytes. Reproduction. 2013 Oct 21;146(6):559-68. doi: 10.1530/REP-13-0268. Print 2013 Dec.
PubMed 24043846Kiani-Esfahani A, Bahrami S, Tavalaee M, Deemeh MR, Mahjour AA, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS: which one is associated with poor chromatin remodeling? Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2013 Dec;59(6):352-9. doi: 10.3109/19396368.2013.829536. Epub 2013 Aug 22.
PubMed 23968144Lu J, Wang Z, Cao J, Chen Y, Dong Y. A novel and compact review on the role of oxidative stress in female reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Aug 20;16(1):80. doi: 10.1186/s12958-018-0391-5.
PubMed 30126412Agarwal A, Rana M, Qiu E, AlBunni H, Bui AD, Henkel R. Role of oxidative stress, infection and inflammation in male infertility. Andrologia. 2018 Dec;50(11):e13126. doi: 10.1111/and.13126.
PubMed 30569652Guerin P, El Mouatassim S, Menezo Y. Oxidative stress and protection against reactive oxygen species in the pre-implantation embryo and its surroundings. Hum Reprod Update. 2001 Mar-Apr;7(2):175-89. doi: 10.1093/humupd/7.2.175.
PubMed 11284661Hardy MLM, Day ML, Morris MB. Redox Regulation and Oxidative Stress in Mammalian Oocytes and Embryos Developed In Vivo and In Vitro. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 29;18(21):11374. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111374.
PubMed 34769890
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Feb 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Antioxidants-enriched Single-step vs Global Total Single-step Embryo Culture Media: Effect on Blastocyst Euploidy Rates.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06261671
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GX / 2312-ABU-028-VF
- Conditions
- Infertility, In Vitro Fertilization
- Keywords
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, Pre - implanttaion genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy, Antioxydante, Culture media, Embryo development, Euploidy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 500 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- ART Fertility Clinics LLCUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Feb 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
One of the most sensible factors in IVF culture conditions is the susceptibility of gametes and embryos to an induced increase in reactive oxidative species (ROS) caused by the artificial environment. This study aims to evaluate the impact of using antioxidant-supplemented media during culture to evaluate embryo ploidy rates in a prospective randomized trial using sibling oocytes.
Detailed description
Improvements in culture conditions is an ongoing process in IVF due to, on one hand, the still lack of knowledge on human embryonic development, and, on the other hand, the frequent need for repeated IVF cycles to achieve an 'implantable' embryo. The main factor for optimizing conditions of an embryo to develop is its microenvironment, mainly the culture media used. One of the most sensible factors in IVF culture conditions is the susceptibility of gametes and embryos to an induced increase in reactive oxidative species (ROS) caused by the artificial environment, as it has been extensively shown in animal models and to a certain extent in humans.
A primordial step for improvement is to alleviate an increase in ROS during embryo development. This can be manipulated by means of utilizing a culture media with supplements that can serve as scavengers, leading to an equilibrium between oxidation and reduction of ROS during the culture period. So far, the produced culture media contain low concentrations of limited additives involved in anti-oxidative stress. Recently, a culture medium containing an implementation in higher doses of distinctive elements known to clearly serve as cellular scavengers has been formulated. However, very few human IVF studies have been performed up to date. Our research intends to investigate the incorporation of antioxidant-rich culture media into IVF practices with the primary objective of analyzing its impact on embryo euploidy, as well as the previous culture steps including fertilization and blastocyst developmental rates. This study aims to evaluate the impact of using antioxidant-supplemented media during culture to evaluate embryo ploidy rates in a prospective randomized trial using sibling oocytes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- A randomization list (indicating Gx Media Vitrolife or GT Coopersurgical) will be used to verify to which group the first half of oocytes will be allocated to. In case an odd number of oocytes is present, one extra oocyte is allocated to the group as indicated by the randomization list.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) | Active comparator | Drug: antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx)Blastocyst exposed to antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) in continuous culture conditions, without refreshment on day 3. A refreshment of the media will be done on D5 in both groups. |
| Group 2: Global total one step media (GT) | Active comparator | Drug: antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx)Blastocyst exposed to Global total one step media (GT) in continuous culture conditions, without refreshment on day 3. A refreshment of the media will be done on D5 in both groups. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 43 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles when ICSI is indicated.
- Patients when Iin vitto fertilization (IVF) is also performed will be included as far as there are enough oocytes for ICSI randomization. However, IVF oocytes will not be used for the study.
- Maternal age 18-43 years old.
- PGT-A cycles with only trophectoderm biopsies on day 5/6/7.
- Patients with more than 6 COCs expected for ICSI.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- PGT-M cycles
- Fresh and frozen testicular sperm.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx)Also: Global total one step media (GT)Blastocyst will be in continuous culture conditions (parallel antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) and Global total one step media (GT) without refreshment on day 3. A refreshment of the media will be done on D5 in both groups. | Drug | Group 1: antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx), Group 2: Global total one step media (GT) |
Primary outcome
Blastocyst ploidy is determined after a biopsy of trophectoderm cells, taken from the blastocyst on day 5, 6 or 7 from development. The following outcomes are possible: • Normal • Abnormal • No result/Inconclusive • Low or high Mosaic
Time frame: 1 year
Ploidy rate is calculated by dividing the number of normal embryos by the number of blastocysts biopsied in the group.
1 secondary outcome
Cycle ploidy rate: the number of euploid embryos in the group Blastocyst quality at the time of biopsy based on modified Gardner's criteria. Usable blastocyst rate per group and per day of biopsy (day 5, 6, 7)
Time frame: 1 year
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Feb 2025.
- Background: PubMed 26812244Meldrum DR, Casper RF, Diez-Juan A, Simon C, Domar AD, Frydman R. Aging and the environment affect gamete and embryo potential: can we intervene? Fertil Steril. 2016 Mar;105(3):548-559. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.01.013. Epub 2016 Jan 23.
- Background: PubMed 31861967von Mengden L, Klamt F, Smitz J. Redox Biology of Human Cumulus Cells: Basic Concepts, Impact on Oocyte Quality, and Potential Clinical Use. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2020 Mar 10;32(8):522-535. doi: 10.1089/ars.2019.7984.
- Background: PubMed 18535004Ruder EH, Hartman TJ, Blumberg J, Goldman MB. Oxidative stress and antioxidants: exposure and impact on female fertility. Hum Reprod Update. 2008 Jul-Aug;14(4):345-57. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmn011. Epub 2008 Jun 4.
- Background: PubMed 34601605Chambers GM, Dyer S, Zegers-Hochschild F, de Mouzon J, Ishihara O, Banker M, Mansour R, Kupka MS, Adamson GD. International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies world report: assisted reproductive technology, 2014dagger. Hum Reprod. 2021 Oct 18;36(11):2921-2934. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deab198.
- Background: PubMed 1849843Halliwell B, Aruoma OI. DNA damage by oxygen-derived species. Its mechanism and measurement in mammalian systems. FEBS Lett. 1991 Apr 9;281(1-2):9-19. doi: 10.1016/0014-5793(91)80347-6.
- Background: PubMed 7959167Kehrer JP, Lund LG. Cellular reducing equivalents and oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med. 1994 Jul;17(1):65-75. doi: 10.1016/0891-5849(94)90008-6.
- Background: PubMed 31846434Aitken RJ. Impact of oxidative stress on male and female germ cells: implications for fertility. Reproduction. 2020 Apr;159(4):R189-R201. doi: 10.1530/REP-19-0452.
- Background: PubMed 19469044Ruder EH, Hartman TJ, Goldman MB. Impact of oxidative stress on female fertility. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Jun;21(3):219-22. doi: 10.1097/gco.0b013e32832924ba.
- Background: PubMed 12926527Agarwal A, Said TM. Role of sperm chromatin abnormalities and DNA damage in male infertility. Hum Reprod Update. 2003 Jul-Aug;9(4):331-45. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmg027.
- Background: PubMed 24043846Lian HY, Gao Y, Jiao GZ, Sun MJ, Wu XF, Wang TY, Li H, Tan JH. Antioxidant supplementation overcomes the deleterious effects of maternal restraint stress-induced oxidative stress on mouse oocytes. Reproduction. 2013 Oct 21;146(6):559-68. doi: 10.1530/REP-13-0268. Print 2013 Dec.
- Background: PubMed 23968144Kiani-Esfahani A, Bahrami S, Tavalaee M, Deemeh MR, Mahjour AA, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS: which one is associated with poor chromatin remodeling? Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2013 Dec;59(6):352-9. doi: 10.3109/19396368.2013.829536. Epub 2013 Aug 22.
- Background: PubMed 30126412Lu J, Wang Z, Cao J, Chen Y, Dong Y. A novel and compact review on the role of oxidative stress in female reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Aug 20;16(1):80. doi: 10.1186/s12958-018-0391-5.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Infertility
RecruitingObservational study
International Pilot Study for Dual Non-invasive Assesment of Embryo Development
Infertility
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Retrieval of Sperm From Men With Azoospermia Using Ultrasound-guided Rete Testis Aspiration
Azoospermia, Nonobstructive, Infertility, Male
Not yet recruiting
Spinery Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Vertebrogenic Chronic Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)
RecruitingObservational study
Impact of Infertility on the Sexual Sphere in Couples Undergoing Assisted Reproduction
Sexual Health Quality of Life, Infertile Patients
RecruitingObservational study
Pilot Study of Discarded Blastocysts
Infertility (IVF Patients)
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Barbara Lawrenz study director
ART Fertility Clinics LLC
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing antioxidants-enriched culture medium (Gx) in people with Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization, run by ART Fertility Clinics LLC at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Feb 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United Arab Emirates. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Daniela Nogueira (+971504374961, daniela.nogueira@artfertilityclinics.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Blastocyst ploidy is determined after a biopsy of trophectoderm cells, taken from the blastocyst on day 5, 6 or 7 from development. The following outcomes are possible: • Normal • Abnormal • No result/Inconclusive • Low or high Mosaic (time frame: 1 year). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06261671, which also lists 23 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Feb 2025.