Today’s advanced technology has a solution for everything. Infertility is one of those problems, which has been on the rise for the past few decades and may turn into a global health issue if strict measures aren’t taken. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the effective solutions for infertility, in which sperm and eggs are fertilized and grown outside the human body, usually in a monitored lab setting. However, the process is extremely complicated and the success rates range anywhere between 30 to 40%. Considering the high costs, time, and efforts involved, it has become necessary to improve the efficiency of IVF, to achieve better outcomes.
On a related note, the field of molecular diagnostics has been rapidly advancing with several new techniques being employed these days. These techniques are extremely helpful in detecting genetic disorders, risks for certain diseases, suggesting tailored treatments, etc. Research studies suggest that molecular diagnostics may have a strong potential to increase the efficacy of the IVF method if employed before starting. This blog will discuss the role of such molecular techniques in IVF and what the future holds for this field.
Basics of Molecular Diagnostics
With the rise of diseases, especially the recent pandemic, molecular diagnostics have increasingly become an important and integral part of clinical laboratories. It comprises all tests and procedures for identifying diseases and understanding disease predispositions by studying an organism’s DNA or RNA. Rapid breakthroughs in molecular diagnostics allow both fundamental research and the translation of discoveries into useful diagnostic procedures. The primary use is to detect changes in sequencing or expression levels in key genes implicated in illness. The application of molecular diagnostics, such as pre-implantation testing or predictive genetic screening, continues to face technological challenges as well as unique, and as far unknown, social, ethical, and legal ramifications. The range of molecular diagnostics in molecular medicine might be greatly broadened beyond the existing nucleic acid tests. It is also used extensively in medicine, public health, the pharmaceutical industry, forensics, biological warfare, and drug development. Some commonly used molecular diagnostic tests are:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This test is widely used across molecular pathology labs worldwide. PCR is a procedure to amplify a particular section of DNA for several reasons. Amplification can help in the easy detection of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19) and also prenatal screening for genetic abnormalities.
- Genetic tests: Lots of people are curious about their genetic background, either to trace their ancestry or to understand the risk of developing certain diseases. There are multiple types of genetics tests according to the requirement, such as gene panel, whole genome sequencing, etc.
- Antibiotic susceptibility test: This test is involved in treating diseases where drug-resistant microorganisms are the cause. It determines the effectivity of a drug and accordingly, the correct dosage is prescribed against the infection.
Intersection of IVF and Molecular Diagnostics
The integration of IVF and molecular diagnostics has revolutionized reproductive medicine, bringing new hope to couples struggling with infertility. Vitro Fertilization, which involves fertilizing an egg outside the body and implanting the embryo into the uterus, has been a ray of hope for many since its inception. However, its success isn’t guaranteed, and the emotional and physical toll can be significant. Molecular diagnostics, specifically Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), enhances IVF by screening embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation. This process involves analyzing a few cells from embryos on the third to fifth day of development using advanced techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). These methods allow for the detection of chromosomal anomalies and genetic disorders, ensuring that only healthy embryos are selected, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of congenital diseases. The evolving intersection of these technologies not only boosts success rates but also offers a profound sense of reassurance to prospective parents, that they will have the child they always wished for.
Reducing the Risk of Genetic Disorders
In the field of IVF, molecular diagnostics serve an important role in lowering the risk of genetic abnormalities, providing hope to many potential parents. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a significant innovation that allows embryos to be checked for chromosomal abnormalities and particular Genetic Disorders diseases before implantation. This procedure not only improves embryo selection but also prevents the transfer of embryos with potential genetic problems, boosting the chances of a successful pregnancy.
The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has improved the accuracy and efficiency of these examinations. As a result, couples with a history of genetic abnormalities can undertake IVF with more confidence, knowing that their chances of passing on these problems are much reduced.
Challenges and Risks
The main reason why the rate of IVF success is low is due to the challenges and various risk factors involved. We will go through them one by one, starting with the challenges:
- Mental toll: Yes, you read that right. Mental health has a far bigger implication compared to physical problems, and that takes a hit during an uncertain process like IVF. It is very difficult to manage the stress and not focus on the ‘what ifs’.
- Financial stress: IVF is an expensive process, which often burdens couples and adds to their anxiety. It’s super important to clearly chalk out a financial plan beforehand and discuss all available options.
- Finding perfect clinics: IVF, as a technique, needs lots of experience and expertise to be carried out efficiently. Often this lack of expertise leads to failed outcomes, something no couple would want. Doing proper research and doing the procedure in well-established labs can help improve your chances and avoid any side effects.
Just like any other medical procedure, IVF has its own set of possible risks, something every couple must be aware of, before starting the journey:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A condition where the ovaries swell up due to the overstimulation caused by fertility medicines and hormones. The mother may face weight gain, abdomen pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
- Miscarriage: There’s also a risk of miscarriage, which is especially high in women who are older.
- Birth defects: Although the age of the mother is the main factor here, the use of techniques such as IVF may increase the chances of causing birth defects in the baby.
- Difficulty in egg retrieval: The process of egg retrieval can often be complex as it involves the use of a needle, entering through the vagina and reaching the egg sacs. Chances of rupturing a blood vessel, infection, or damaging the bladder, always remain.
Research and Development
The field of assisted reproductive technologies has been witnessing a revolution, with a multitude of changes occurring every day. The last decade brought lots of discoveries that have helped in improving the success rates of IVF. Let us talk about some of the recent and ongoing updates in research and development in the field of IVF:
- Preimplantation genetic tests (PGT) have helped a lot in detecting various genetic abnormalities before the embryos are transferred.
- When a mother’s genes carry a high risk for mitochondrial diseases, mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) can be a solution, although clinical trials are currently ongoing in the UK. In this type of therapy, a part or entire mitochondrial DNA of the baby comes from a healthy third party.
- Automation of IVF labs is predicted to boost IVF success rates by multiple times. Also, the use of microfluidics can help improve culture environments and also in the manipulation of gamete and embryo.
- Certain techniques are being developed especially to improve oocyte quality in aged women. More mature oocytes are expected by various stimulation methods.
Conclusion
IVF gives high hopes to millions of couples worldwide who might be eager to bring a bundle of joy to their homes. However, the complexities associated with IVF may make it difficult and act as a hurdle. This calls for more research, experimentation, and improvement of the technique to ensure high success rates. DSS Image Tech supports this by offering advanced molecular diagnostic solutions that help streamline IVF procedures.It is expected that molecular diagnostics will become stronger and more accurate, especially with the involvement of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This will enable healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose any potential risks beforehand and tailor IVF procedures accordingly. With the support of innovative technologies like those provided by DSS Image Tech, we can hope the ongoing scientific pursuit to make IVF a highly efficient technique finds success soon in the future.
