A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Constant (5%) Versus Sequential (5%-2%) Oxygen Concentration Embryo Culture Protocols in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Overview

To evaluate whether there were significant differences in the effects of constant (5%) versus sequential (5%-2%) oxygen concentration protocols in embryo culture on term live birth rates. This study will be conducted in five centers including the Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical Universit. 980 women who wish to undergo blastocyst transplantation will be included in the study. The study data will be analyzed statistically.

While blastocyst transfer has been shown to improve live birth rates, concerns exist regarding potential telomere shortening in offspring, which is associated with premature aging and various health issues. Our previous study further explores the role of oxygen tension in telomere length regulation, identifying hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (Hif1α) degradation as a key factor. Based on these findings, the study proposes a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing constant (5%) versus sequential (5%-2%) oxygen concentration protocols in embryo culture to assess their impact on term live birth rates and offspring telomere length. This study will be conducted in five centers including the Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical Universit. 980 women who wish to undergo blastocyst transplantation will be included in the study. Female infertile patients who consent to blastocyst transfer will be considered for inclusion in the study. Patients will be randomly assigned to a constant (5%) or sequential (5%-2%) oxygen concentration protocols in embryo culture. This study will record live birth rates, perinatal and perinatal complications, and offspring health status of women in both groups of embryo culture regimens to assess the effects of different embryo culture regimens on term live birth rates and offspring health.