Replacement of sodium pyruvate with ethyl pyruvate promotes zygotic cleavage and inner cell mass development during in vitro culture of embryos from females of advanced maternal age

Abstract

Pyruvate is an essential energy substrate for inclusion in embryo culture media. However, sodium pyruvate can degrade rapidly and form byproducts that interfere with metabolic function and development. This study evaluates the use of ethyl pyruvate during in-vitro embryo culture as an alternative source of energy for embryos originating from females of advanced maternal age (AMA), which are metabolically compromised.