Effects of the addition of insulin–transferrin–selenium (ITS) and/or metformin to the

Context One of the main problems of porcine in vitro maturation (IVM) is incomplete cytoplasmatic maturation. Nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation will determine the future success of fertilisation and embryo development. Insulin–transferrin–selenium (ITS) has insulin-like and antioxidant effects, and metformin (M) is an insulin-sensitiser and antioxidant drug. Aims To assess the effects of adding ITS and/or M in porcine IVM media on cytoplasmic maturation and early embryo development. Methods Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were IVM with M (10−4M), ITS (0.1% v/v), M + ITS or no adding (Control). Key results ITS increased glucose consumption compared to Control and M (P