NEWS & KNOWLEDGE

Embryo Glue is a solution used for the process of transferring embryos back into the uterus. Although EmbryoGlue means glue, EmbryoGlue is actually not glue, but acts similar to glue. Increases the chances of embryo implantation. It is a substance that helps bind the embryo and the uterine wall together.

EmbryoGlue has a concentrated hyaluronan ingredient. This hyaluronan is a natural compound found in the fallopian tubes. and fluid in the uterine cavity.  Researchers found that levels of hyaluronan increased in the uterus on the day of embryo implantation. and decreased the next day. This shows that hyaluronan is important in the embryo implantation stage. EmbryoGlue therefore has the ability to create an environment similar to that of embryo implantation within the uterus. and helps reduce stress on the embryo.

How does EmbryoGlue work?

Hyaluronan increases cell adhesion and supports blastocysts to adhere to the endometrium. The endometrium and surface of the fetus have special molecular receptors CD44 and RHAMM/IHABP. Hyaluronan can bind to those molecules. and acts as a self-supporting bridge between the embryo and the endometrium. To help increase the chances of implantation by imitating natural implantation.

Can EmbryoGlue really help you get pregnant?

Research has shown that EmbryoGlue increases the implantation rate of embryos. This increases the pregnancy rate by 7.6% compared to using normal embryo transfer fluid. and helps increase the live birth rate at a rate of 40.2% compared to using normal fluid at 33.3% and from the Cochrane review report EmbryoGlue has been found to increase the birth rate by one person for every 14 embryo transfers. For example, in a clinic where a total of 700 embryo transfer cycles are performed per year. If embryos are transferred with EmbryoGlue, one additional child will be born per week than with normal embryos. Or equivalent to a 20% increase in the live birth rate.

It was also found that when inserting embryos that were screened for chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) It can also increase the pregnancy rate by 18%. and the embryo implantation rate was 15% compared to using standard embryo culture fluid.

Are there any side effects from using EmbryoGlue?

According to research reports, the use of EmbryoGlue for embryo transfer has not been found to cause abnormal health in the child born. Or there is a higher rate of miscarriage than when using standard solutions.

Who is EmbryoGlue appropriate for?

• Spouses older than 35 years
• Couples with a history of miscarriage or embryos not implanting
• Couples who implant embryos at the blastocyst stage
• Couples who have embryos inserted in the frozen cycle

By Assoc.Prof. Matchuporn Sukprasert and Clinical Embryologist Piyarat Sopaboon

Reference documents

1. Heymann D, Vidal L, Or Y, Shoham Z. Hyaluronic acid in embryo transfer media for assisted reproductive technologies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;9(9):CD007421.
2. Tyler B, Walford H, Tamblyn J, Keay SD, Mavrelos D, Yasmin E, Al Wattar BH. Interventions to optimize embryo transfer in women undergoing assisted conception: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analyses. Hum Reprod Update. 2022;28(4):480-500.
3. Reed ML, Said AH. Estimation of embryo transfer media viscosity and consideration of its effect on media and uterine fluid interactions. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019;39(6):931-939.
4. Reed ML. Improved FET PGT outcomes for biopsied blastocyst transfer using Embryoglue instead of buffered transfer media: could direct, immediate contact of embryonic cells to hyaluronan be beneficial? PRS.2022. Poster.
5. Adeniyi T, Horne G, Ruane PT, Brison DR, Roberts SA. Clinical efficacy of hyaluronate-containing embryo transfer medium in IVF/ICSI treatment cycles: a cohort study. Hum Reprod Open. 2021;2021(1):hoab004.