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Researchers at the University of Murcia (UMU), in collaboration with scientists from the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, seem to have found one of the possible reasons why some of the embryos conceived by assisted reproduction are born with more problems than those that are conceived in a way natural.

According to the results of the UMU Reproduction Physiology research group, published in the journal eLife, it is suspected that the reason can be found in the composition of liquids used in laboratories to promote the union between sperm and eggs during fertilization;

Some fluids that continue to be used during the first days of gestation.

The solution proposed by scientists is to add new liquids, this time coming from the reproductive apparatus of the mother.

The findings of this proposal, tested with porcine embryos, show that "those that have been gestated in fluids supplemented with uterine fluid from adult sows have more natural embryos than those obtained when these fluids are not supplemented," says Pilar Coy, principal investigator of the work at the University of Murcia.

In addition, researchers have examined the chemical markers of the DNA of these embryos, that is, their epigenetic modifications (those that are determined by the cellular environment and not by genetics).

The analysis demonstrated that "some of the embryos conceived by assisted reproduction with the habitual liquid form different gene and epigenetic patterns to those conceived of natural way, and that those conceived in fertility treatments but with fluid of the reproductive apparatus added are closer to The embryos conceived in vivo, "adds UMU researcher.

Currently the Spanish have their first child on average at 30.4 years.

This delay in motherhood is a common concern when it comes to being a parent: fertility.

This problem can be solved through different treatments such as assisted reproduction.

The results of this work represent an important advance in assisted reproduction techniques, a method that has facilitated the birth of more than five million children.

Source: Universidad de Murcia