Shed Light on Infertility: Functional Models of Womb Lining

Functional models of womb lining have been successfully cultured by researchers at the University of Cambridge. This could be a huge step for field study on reproductive system and gynecological diseases. 

 

 

 

 

The article Welcome Trust and the Centre for Trophoblast Research, funded by the Medical Research Council, has been published in Nature Cell Biology.

 

The womb lining models, also called “organoids”, are derived and severed from endometrial linings. They have been restored and cultured for a couple of months by Margherita and team. By secreting necessary nutrients, the organoids nourish the establishment and growth of embryo during the first months of pregnancy. The scientists used the models to simulate how endometrial lining cells react to female sex hormones and signals at the beginning of conception.

 

“We have to rely on animal experiment until now, since this whole process is impossible to be observed and captured in women,” said Turco. “These organoids could be a massive help in observing and studying the occurrence before and after early pregnancy and in the menstrual cycle. This is a huge step forward.”

 

According to the researching findings, a “dialogue” has been created between the conceptus and the endometrial glands right after the implantation. The conceptus would send signals to the endometrial glands to deliver a certain chemical material, which would activate and stimulate the establishment of the placenta. Evidence also suggests that a failure of this communication would potentially restrict growth of the fetus or end up with miscarriage.

 

Researchers believe that these organoids would provide a new perception into this communication between endometrial glands and the conceptus. This could enable the identification on which parts of this process are not working correctly in women during conception. This could also contribute to the establishment of new medical &surgical treatment for infertility women.

 

Graham Burton, joint senior author of the paper and Director of the Centre for Trophoblast Research, expressed his insight into the significance of the new research. “Our latest experiment should open a new path for related research and development. What happens in early-stage pregnancy lay the foundations to a successful birth. And pre-eclampsia, still birth and restricted growth of the fetus, all these complications of pregnancy have their origins about the time of implantation.”

 

Previous research on animal models has already shown the vital importance of endometrial glands in forming a conceptus (also known as the “fertilized egg”). This new finding by scientists from the University of Cambridge could provide a window for further investigation of endometrial cancer as well as endometriosis.

 

Compared to IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and other invasive surgical procedures, sometimes recuperation and a healthy fertility diet play a more important role. Eat more foods rich in Iron, fiber, vitamin B6, B12 and keep on a healthy biological clock. You can also take natural remedies to help with the promotion of blood circulation and immune system. Dr. Lee, a Chinese national herbalist and has been in the field research of female reproductive disease more than 30 years, established Fuyan Pill. Fuyan Pill consists of more than 15 natural ingredients, and it has helped many infertility women to get pregnant over the past 10 years.