Advances in stem cell therapy for infertility treatment
Stem cell infertility treatment
Facts
💡 Infertility is the absence of pregnancy in a woman after intercourse without ordinary contraception.
💡 The causes of infertility may be related to one of the partners, diagnosed after 12 months of regular intercourse without pregnancy.
💡 About 10% of women aged 15-44 in the United States are infertile.
💡 8%-12% of couples globally face fertility problems, and about 45%-50% of cases are due to factors affecting males.
💉 Stem cell therapy is used in the treatment of infertility and involves the development of cells into different types and different tissues.
💉 Stem cells divide to stay the same or develop into other specialized species, such as muscles, eggs, and sperm.
🧪 Researchers have successfully grown mature eggs from egg cells in the lab, opening up new avenues for infertility treatments.
Advances in stem cell therapy for infertility treatment
Infertility, characterized by the inability to conceive after regular, unprotected intercourse, affects both men and women. In some cases, the underlying causes lie in either partner, and the diagnosis occurs when pregnancy does not occur within 12 months of unprotected continuous intercourse without birth control. Nearly 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States face infertility problems, and globally, 8% to 12% of couples have fertility problems. Notably, about 45% to 50% of infertility cases are attributed to factors affecting males.
One of the most promising treatment methods for infertility is stem cell therapy, specifically using stem cells to address reproductive problems. Stem cells have a remarkable ability to differentiate into different types of cells and tissues, making them a potential internal repair system. When a cell divides, each stem cell can remain unchanged or turn into specialized cell types with distinct functions, such as muscle cells, blood cells, or cells necessary for reproduction, such as eggs and sperm.
Stem cell therapy offers renewed hope for infertility treatment, with recent scientific advances demonstrating the possibility of growing mature egg cells in the laboratory. Researchers have achieved the production of sperm-like cells or eggs, but producing viable embryos remains a challenge due to irregular genetic regulation. However, the breakthrough achieved by a team at Kyushu University in Japan involves the transformation of stem cells in mice into mature egg cells capable of fertilization and embryonic development. This discovery bodes well for women who are struggling to produce eggs naturally.
Embryonic stem cells are living cells derived from embryos that have the ability to develop into different types of cells. The Kyushu University team showed that under certain conditions, these cells can turn into immature germ cells, providing new possibilities for infertility treatment.
To address issues related to irregular genetic regulation, the researchers conducted experiments on encapsulating stem cells inside other cells sourced from the gonads in mice. Over time, they observed the evolution of stem cells into egg-like structures very similar to normal eggs. This progress brings hope for the formation of viable embryos for infertile couples.
The causes of infertility vary between men and women. Male factors include abnormal sperm production due to undescended testicles, genetic defects, health conditions such as diabetes or infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, and issues with sexual function. Environmental factors such as pesticide exposure, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medications can also contribute.
In women, the causes of infertility include disorders that affect ovulation, hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hyperprolactinemia, genetic abnormalities in the uterus or cervix, damage or blockage of the fallopian tubes, ovarian failure (early menopause), adhesions in the pelvis, infections, cancer and its treatments, digestive disorders, poor management of diabetes, and some autoimmune diseases.
In conclusion, recent advances in stem cell therapy offer promising prospects for the treatment of infertility. Researchers are making strides in growing mature egg cells from stem cells, which could revolutionize the treatment of female infertility. Furthermore, understanding the causes of infertility in both men and women provides insight into personalized treatment approaches, boosting hope for couples struggling to conceive.