United News of Bangladesh

Chinese scientists have identified a major cause behind the early developmental failure of human embryos, a breakthrough that could improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments in the future. The findings, published in the journal 'Cell', come from a study led by researchers at Tsinghua University, who captured the first high-resolution images of human embryos during the first five days after fertilization. Many couples undergoing IVF face disappointment as more than half of fertilized eggs fail to develop into blastocysts, the stage at which embryos are ready to be implanted in the uterus. The reasons behind this high failure rate have long remained unclear. To investigate, researchers developed a new imaging tool called a dual-view light-sheet microscope. The technology allowed them to observe living embryos for extended periods without causing damage. The team analyzed more than 2,000 cell divisions in over 150 human and monkey embryos. They found that more than 70 percent of embryos that stopped developing experienced problems during their second cell division. According to the researchers, the issue was linked to abnormalities in a cellular structure known as the spindle, which helps distribute genetic material evenly when cells divide. Defects in the spindle led to chromosome separation errors, causing embryo development to halt within a few cell divisions. The study also revealed that centrosomes, cell structures responsible for organizing the spindle, play a critical role. When embryos had an abnormal number of centrosomes, the spindle could not function properly, increasing the risk of developmental failure. Building on this discovery, the researchers tested a low dose of a drug designed to regulate centrosome replication during the second cell division. The treatment significantly improved embryo quality, increasing the proportion of embryos with normal centrosomes from 40 percent to 80 percent. Importantly, the drug did not affect embryos that already had normal centrosomes, suggesting it may offer a targeted way to reduce developmental errors. Chun So, an assistant professor at Tsinghua University, said the findings could eventually help IVF clinics reduce cases of early embryo arrest and improve pregnancy outcomes. He added that the research team plans to continue developing advanced imaging technologies to better understand human embryo development after implantation, with the goal of finding new ways to increase the chances of successful pregnancies.

A large number of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published today (April 04, 2023) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need. The new estimates show limited variation in the prevalence of infertility between regions. The rates are comparable for high-, middle- and low-income countries, indicating that this is a major health challenge globally. Read More: Every 2 minutes a woman dies due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies Lifetime prevalence was 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries. “The report reveals an important truth – infertility does not discriminate,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO. “The sheer proportion of people affected shows the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure this issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy, so that safe, effective, and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available for those who seek it,” he said. Infertility is a condition of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Read More: Unintended pregnancies surge amid Covid-19 It can cause significant distress and stigma, affecting people’s mental and psychosocial well-being. Despite the magnitude of the issue, solutions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility – including assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) – remain underfunded and inaccessible to many due to high costs, social stigma and limited availability. At present, in most countries, fertility treatments are largely funded out of pocket – often resulting in devastating financial costs. People in the poorest countries spend a greater proportion of their income on fertility care compared to people in wealthier countries. High costs frequently prevent people from accessing infertility treatments or alternatively, can catapult them into poverty as a consequence of seeking care.  Read More: French conservatives protest bill allowing IVF for lesbians “Millions of people face catastrophic healthcare costs after seeking treatment for infertility, making this a major equity issue and all too often, a medical poverty trap for those affected,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, including the United Nations’ Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). “Better policies and public financing can significantly improve access to treatment and protect poorer households from falling into poverty as a result,” he observed. While the new report shows convincing evidence of the high global prevalence of infertility, it highlights a persistent lack of data in many countries and some regions. The WHO report calls for greater availability of national data on infertility disaggregated by age and by cause to help with quantifying infertility, as well as knowing who needs fertility care and how risks can be reduced. Read More: Ensure reproductive health rights of all: UN chief