Conclusions
Measurement of mtDNA copy number might not provide any advantage in embryo prioritization and could lead to a deselection of blastocysts that would result in healthy pregnancies and births. Furthermore, the quantification of mitochondrial functional output in a model of cellular stress might suggest that mitochondria are not clear targets for biomarker identification as it relates to blastocyst viability. Any suggested link between mtDNA levels, mitochondria or their output with blastocyst transfer outcome requires further validation.
Results
Unusually high mtDNA levels did not preclude blastocyst implantation and healthy births. An analysis of 109 blastocysts showed no significant difference between mtDNA levels in implanted (n = 55) versus non-implanted (n = 54) blastocysts. No obvious differences in the degree of mitochondrial functional output were detected in a model of embryo stress. Conclusions: Measurement of mtDNA copy number might not provide any advantage in embryo prioritization and could lead to a deselection of blastocysts that would result in healthy pregnancies and births. Furthermore, the quantification of mitochondrial functional output in a model of cellular stress might suggest that mitochondria are not clear targets for biomarker identification as it relates to blastocyst viability. Any suggested link between mtDNA levels, mitochondria or their output with blastocyst transfer outcome requires further validation.