科学与健康｜点亮希望！新技术有望探明胚胎移植失败原因

Core Viewpoint - The research from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a 3D human embryo implantation model using microfluidic chips, which successfully replicates the entire process of human embryo implantation in the lab, potentially uncovering the causes of repeated implantation failure (RIF) in assisted reproductive technology [2][10]. Group 1: Simplified Detection Process - Approximately 10% of individuals undergoing assisted reproductive treatment experience clinical pregnancy failure after three embryo transfers, with factors such as embryo quality, endometrial condition, and immune system responses contributing to this issue [3]. - The new technology creates a simulated endometrial system to accurately identify the causes of implantation failure, revealing that RIF patients often have increased apoptotic cells and decreased proliferation ability in their endometrial cells, indicating a less favorable environment for embryo implantation [3][5]. Group 2: Observing Embryo Development - The research team has analyzed the signaling interactions between the embryo and the endometrium during the attachment and invasion stages, identifying pathways that promote attachment site formation and inhibit epithelial cell apoptosis [6][9]. - Blocking these pathways can lead to a 68% decrease in blastocyst attachment rates, highlighting the critical nature of these interactions for successful implantation [6]. Group 3: Efficient Drug Screening - The 3D embryo implantation simulation technology bridges basic research and clinical application, providing practical diagnostic tools for clinicians in the field of reproductive medicine [10]. - The research team has tested 1,119 FDA-approved drugs, paving the way for personalized drug screening for patients, which could enhance the precision of assisted reproductive technologies [12].