The relationship between mtDNA quantity, female age and embryo chromosome constitution.

<p><b>a)</b> Data obtained during quantitative real-time PCR analysis of TE samples removed from 302 blastocysts demonstrated a statistically significant increase (P = 0.003) in the level of mtDNA in relation to advancing female age. This phenomenon was evident for both euploid and aneuploid blastocysts. <b>b)</b> Real-time PCR analysis of 39 blastomeres showed that cleavage stage embryos from reproductively younger women contained significantly (P = 0.01) higher mtDNA levels, compared to those generated by reproductively older women. <b>c)</b> Real-time PCR analysis of TE samples also demonstrated that aneuploid blastocysts (n = 99) contained significantly (P = 0.025) larger quantities of mtDNA at all ages, compared to those that were euploid (n = 203). Statistical analysis of mtDNA values took place with the use of unpaired two-tailed t-tests.