New research has found that an absence of stem cells in the womb lining can cause the womb to age faster. This finding gives scientists a greater understanding into fertility problems and potential treatments.
The researchers found that a lack of stem cells in the womb lining also made the surrounding tissue unable to support an embryo sufficiently. Unfortunately, the ageing cells in the wombs cause miscarriages because they cannot adapt to the pregnancy.
Scientists traced the problem back to stem cells in the womb lining by using cultured uterus cells in a laboratory. According to obstetrics and gynaecology professor Jan Brosens, the ageing cells cannot prepare the womb correctly to carry the embryo to the later stages. The cells used in the cultured uteruses were from women who had experienced a number of miscarriages in the past.
This research could lead to new forms of treatment which address the lack of stem cells and help the uterus carry out the necessary changes to support an embryo. It may also help to identify women who are at risk of miscarriage. The paper was published in the journal Stem Cells.
The number stem cells in the womb lining appear to be a clear indication of a defect in the organ. In the future, women may be able to seek treatment instead of repeatedly trying and failing to carry a pregnancy to full term.
The next challenge for researchers is to develop therapies that increase the number of stem cells in the womb, enabling it to adapt to pregnancy appropriately. The next stage of research is set to occur in Spring of 2016 and will look at ways to improve the health of the womb lining.
Source: Stem Cells In Womb Lining Influence Chances For Successful Pregnancy
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