Gx Media
triple antioxidant protection for improved embryo viability
Reactive oxygen species are ubiquitous throughout any given IVF cycle. And they pose a significant threat to your embryo culture. To keep your embryos out of harm’s way, we have developed Gx Media
– a unique triple antioxidant protection for improved embryo viability. The three antioxidants have been added to our gamete-handling media (Gx-MOPS PLUS™), IVF media (Gx-IVF™), and culture media (Gx-TL™) to form a protective barrier against oxidative stress. Making sure your embryos are safe and sound throughout the entire IVF cycle.
Oxidative stress - effect on embryo development.
Gametes and embryos are highly sensitive to oxidative stress. When outside the body, they are deprived of the natural detoxification system. At the same time, manipulations during IVF correlate with numerous external risks such as: unphysiologically high oxygen concentration during the entire culture period or during some procedures (high oxygen is detrimental by itself); reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced as a byproduct of aerobic cellular metabolism; quality of plasticware and oil overlay, which may provoke an increase in ROS synthesis; shear stress, possible temperature fluctuations and light exposure. These factors can decrease developmental capacity and viability of resulting embryos. Importantly, once a gamete or embryo has been exposed to a specific stressor, it is common for them to be more sensitive to any additional burden, highlighting a paramount importance of complex stress protection during IVF treatment.
Improving embryo viability
The three antioxidants we have selected have a highly beneficial effect on embryo development when used individually and to a greater effect when in combination.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine have a highly beneficial effect on embryo development when used in combination.1, 2
Improved embryo viability and trend towards increased pregnancy rate.3, 4, 5
a trend towards improved clinical outcomes, especially in women of advanced maternal age 16, 19, 20.
The investigators found a significant increase in day 3 embryo quality and numerically higher pregnancy rates for the antioxidants group.
Triple antioxidants working together
Gx-series media promote protection against ROS inspired by a natural detoxification system. Glutathione (GSH) is a vital component of endogenous antioxidant complex, but it has a low bioavailability and is not stable in aqueous solution. However, its precursor N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a durable molecule and can diffuse directly into the cells for de novo GSH synthesis, strengthening cellular protection against ROS. When NAC is acting together with two other antioxidants acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), their cumulative effect is synergistic. All together they stimulate GSH synthesis, promote detoxification and act as free radical scavengers.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine improves oocyte chromosomal structure and blastocyst development while reducing apoptosis. 7
Alpha-Lipoic Acid significantly improves embryo development to the blastocyst and increases cell numbers at 20% oxygen.6
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine increases glutathione (GSH) levels, cleavage and blastocyst rates. 8
