Revolutionizing Fertility: A New Dawn in Ovarian Health
Exploring Gameto’s Innovative Approach to Solving Ovarian Decline
Life’s a ride, and we’re all in the driver’s seat. Only snag? Sometimes, the GPS starts acting up. You’re ready to take the next exit marked “Parenthood,” but stalled at “Infertility.”
It’s like expecting a cross-country road trip and circling the same old block. The scenery’s familiar, the landmarks unchanged. But what if there was a secret shortcut, a hidden route that could get us back on track What if we could tweak the GPS, and take a detour that beats biology at its own game?
At surface level, infertility may not seem like a big problem. People can’t have babies. But in reality, if sperm counts in men continue to fall at current rates, the human race could become extinct in about 50 years. On top of that, the use of assisted reproductive technology (IVF, IVM, etc.) increases by 5–10% annually. Around 17.5% of the adult population — roughly 1 in 6 worldwide experience infertility.
Abstract
Ovarian decline, a key contributor to global infertility, leads to a spectrum of health issues from reproductive diseases to menopause. Despite the urgency, female reproductive therapies have seen scant innovation over the years. However, a new study by Gameto offers hope, demonstrating the possibility of mimicking the natural oocyte maturation process in the ovary. Utilizing a co-culture method with Fertilo for about 24 hours, immature oocytes mature into ovum ready for fertilization. This novel approach could revolutionize fertility treatments.
Outline of Proposal
1. Background — The formation of gametes
1.1. Ova Production — Oogenesis
1.2. Sperm Production — Spermatogenesis
2. Breakdown of Female Infertility
2.1. Ovarian Dysfunction
2.2. Tubal Infertility
2.3. Uterine or Cervical Conditions
2.4. Age
2.5. Endocrine Disorders
3. Breakdown of Male Infertility
3.1. Sperm Disorders
3.2. Erectile Dysfunction and Ejaculatory Disorders
3.3. Varicoceles
3.4. Genetic Disorders
3.5. Lifestyle Factors
4. Other Causes of Infertility
4.1. Immunological Causes
4.2. Unexplained Infertility
5. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
5.1. Using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
5.2. Using In Vitro Maturation (IVM)
5.3. Using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
6.1. Longevity and Reproductive Lifespan
6.2. Longevity and Ovarian Decline
7.1. Improving the female reproductive journey
7.2. Deovo and Ameno
8.1. Oocyte Retrieval and Preparation
8.2. Creation and Preparation of Ovarian Supporting Cells (OSCs)
8.3. Evaluation, Analysis, and Molecular Study
8.4. Results
9. Conclusion
10. TL;DR
1. Background — The formation of gametes
1.1. Ova Production — Oogenesis
In human physiology, an ovum is a single cell released from either of the female reproductive organs, the ovaries, that can develop into a new organism when fertilized with a sperm cell.
The first step in the process is the formation of the oogonium. Before birth, the female fetus develops oogonia, which are diploid cells that serve as the parent cells for eggs. These oogonia multiply through mitotic division when a parent cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells and form a large pool of cells in the ovaries.
During fetal development, some of the oogonia differentiate into primary oocytes. These primary oocytes are diploid cells that are arrested in prophase I of meiosis. This is called primary oocyte formation.
Meiosis I happens after a female reaches puberty - each menstrual cycle triggers the activation of a small number of primary oocytes. One primary oocyte begins to mature and completes the first phase of meiosis, resulting in the formation of two cells: a secondary oocyte and a polar body. The polar body contains half the genetic material of the original primary oocyte and eventually disintegrates.
In Meiosis II, the secondary oocyte, still arrested in metaphase II of meiosis, is released from the ovary during ovulation. If fertilization occurs, the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II, resulting in the formation of a mature ovum (egg) and another polar body. Again, the polar body contains half the genetic material of the secondary oocyte and eventually disintegrates.
If the egg is fertilized by a sperm, the genetic material from the sperm combines with the genetic material of the egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote. The zygote then undergoes further divisions to develop into an embryo.
1.2. Sperm Production — Spermatogenesis
In the process of germ cell development, spermatogenesis is the series of events that leads to the production of mature sperm cells.
It begins with diploid germ cells called spermatogonia residing in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Spermatogonia undergo mitotic divisions known as spermatocytogenesis, resulting in the formation of Type A and Type B spermatogonia. Type A spermatogonia serve as a source for self-renewal, while Type B spermatogonia differentiate into primary spermatocytes.
The primary spermatocytes, still diploid cells, enter the first phase of meiosis, called meiosis I. During meiosis I, each primary spermatocyte undergoes reduction division, producing two haploid cells called secondary spermatocytes. These secondary spermatocytes contain half the number of chromosomes as the original primary spermatocyte.
The two secondary spermatocytes then proceed to meiosis II, the second phase of meiosis. In meiosis II, each secondary spermatocyte further divides, resulting in the formation of four haploid cells called spermatids. Once again, the chromosome number is halved during this process.
Spermiogenesis follows, during which spermatids undergo a series of morphological changes. These changes include the development of a flagellum for motility, the condensation of genetic material, and the formation of an acrosome containing enzymes required for fertilization.
After spermiogenesis, the immature spermatids mature into fully functional spermatozoa or sperm cells. This maturation process involves shedding excess cytoplasm, elongating the nucleus, and acquiring a streamlined shape to facilitate motility.
The mature sperm cells are then released from the seminiferous tubules into the rete testis, a network of ducts within the testes. From there, they move into the epididymis, a coiled tube located on the back of each testicle. In the epididymis, sperm undergo further maturation and gain the ability to swim.
During sexual intercourse, when a man reaches orgasm, muscular contractions propel the sperm from the epididymis into the vas deferens, a tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra. In the urethra, the sperm mix with fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, forming semen. Finally, semen is ejaculated from the penis during ejaculation.
2. Breakdown of Female Infertility
2.1. Ovarian Dysfunction
Ovarian dysfunction refers to any condition or disorder that disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries. It can manifest in various ways and have significant effects on a woman’s reproductive health and overall well-being. Common causes of ovarian dysfunction include hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and ovarian tumours.
This dysfunction can manifest as irregular or absent menstrual cycles, anovulation (lack of ovulation), hormonal imbalances, and difficulties in conceiving. Ovarian failure, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, is another factor where the ovaries stop functioning before the natural age of menopause.
2.2. Tubal Infertility
This is when the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, are blocked or damaged. Tubal factor infertility accounts for about 25–30% of all cases of infertility.
Tubal factor infertility is most commonly caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections, or other conditions such as endometriosis. Other causes may include previous infections, surgeries, or other conditions where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, potentially damaging the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
2.3. Uterine or Cervical Conditions
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps, or congenital anomalies can impact the shape or size of the uterus, inhibiting the implantation of an embryo. Cervical conditions can prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
It is usually caused by an infection but may also be caused by chemical exposure or the presence of a foreign body.
2.4. Age
As a woman ages, her ovarian reserve (the number and quality of her eggs) diminishes. This decline accelerates in the mid-to late-thirties and can lead to infertility.
A woman’s peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. Your risk of pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, increases after 35 as well and continues to rise into your 40s. Miscarriage rates begin to skyrocket in your 40s as well.
2.5. Endocrine Disorders
An endocrine disorder results from the improper function of the endocrine system, which includes the glands that secrete hormones, the receptors that respond to hormones and the organs that are directly impacted by hormones. A common endocrine disorder is diabetes.
Disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperprolactinemia can disrupt hormonal balance, interfering with ovulation as well.
3. Breakdown of Male Infertility
3.1. Sperm Disorders
Sperm disorders include low sperm count (oligospermia), no sperm count (azoospermia), abnormal sperm morphology, or issues with sperm motility. These factors can impede the sperm’s ability to reach and fertilize an egg.
Sperm disorders can be influenced by genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, infections, testicular trauma, varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), exposure to environmental toxins, certain medications, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug abuse.
3.2. Erectile Dysfunction and Ejaculatory Disorders
Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It can be caused by various factors such as underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease), hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, or side effects of certain medications.
Ejaculatory disorders, on the other hand, encompass conditions such as premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or retrograde ejaculation, where the ejaculation process is disrupted or impaired. These disorders can impact the delivery of sperm and hinder their ability to reach and fertilize an egg during sexual intercourse.
3.3. Varicoceles
Varicocele refers to the swelling of veins in the scrotum, specifically the veins that drain blood from the testicles. This condition can lead to increased testicular temperature and impaired blood flow, which can adversely affect sperm quality, production, and overall male fertility.
Varicoceles are a common cause of male infertility and can be treated through surgical or non-surgical interventions to improve reproductive outcomes.
3.4. Genetic Disorders
Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, where a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome, can result in abnormal development of the male reproductive organs.
Certain genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, such as those associated with cystic fibrosis or chromosomal translocations, can impact fertility and increase the risk of passing on genetic disorders to offspring.
3.5. Lifestyle Factors
Several lifestyle and environmental factors can have detrimental effects on sperm quality. Smoking tobacco, drug use, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins are known to negatively impact sperm parameters such as count, motility, and morphology.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding harmful substances, and minimizing exposure to toxins can help improve sperm quality and increase the chances of successful conception.
4. Other Causes of Infertility
4.1. Immunological Causes
In some cases, the body’s immune system can impact fertility. For example, in some men, antibodies can mistakenly target sperm cells, hindering their function. In women, immunological reactions may lead to implantation failure or recurrent pregnancy loss.
4.2. Unexplained Infertility
In a significant number of cases, no specific cause of infertility can be found despite comprehensive investigation. This is referred to as unexplained infertility. It’s believed that subtle issues with sperm function or the fertilization process may be at play in these cases.
5. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
5.1. Using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a widely used assisted reproductive technology that helps individuals or couples who are facing difficulties conceiving naturally. The IVF process involves several key steps. Firstly, ovarian stimulation is done through hormonal medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Following this, a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval is performed to collect the mature eggs from the follicles. Simultaneously, the male partner or a sperm donor provides a semen sample, which is processed in the laboratory to isolate healthy and motile sperm.
Next, the eggs and sperm are combined either through conventional IVF or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) methods to facilitate fertilization. The resulting embryos are then cultured in the laboratory for a few days, with embryologists closely monitoring their development and quality. Subsequently, one or more selected embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus via a relatively simple procedure known as embryo transfer.
Any remaining healthy embryos can be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use, allowing for subsequent transfers without undergoing a full IVF cycle. Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine the success of the IVF cycle. The number of embryos transferred and the utilization of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may vary based on factors like age, medical history, and personal preferences.
5.2. Using In Vitro Maturation (IVM)
In the process of In Vitro Maturation (IVM), immature eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and subsequently matured in a laboratory setting prior to fertilization. Unlike conventional IVF, which involves ovarian stimulation, IVM utilizes the woman’s natural menstrual cycle or minimal hormonal stimulation, making it a favourable option for those at risk of complications or seeking a more natural approach.
The IVM procedure involves several steps. First, the woman’s natural menstrual cycle is closely monitored through ultrasound scans and hormone level measurements to determine the optimal timing for egg retrieval. Once the eggs have reached the desired stage of development, an ultrasound-guided procedure is performed to collect the immature eggs from the ovaries in a minimally invasive manner.
The retrieved immature eggs are then placed in a specialized culture medium within a controlled laboratory environment. Over the course of 24 to 48 hours, the eggs undergo maturation, progressing to the necessary developmental stage for fertilization. At this point, fertilization can be achieved using either conventional IVF or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). In conventional IVF, mature eggs are mixed with a large number of sperm in a culture dish to allow natural fertilization, while ICSI involves the direct injection of a single sperm into each mature egg.
Following fertilization, the resulting embryos are closely monitored in the laboratory for a few days to assess their development. One or more embryos that have reached the appropriate stage of development are selected for transfer into the woman’s uterus. The embryo transfer procedure in IVM is similar to that used in traditional IVF, with the aim of facilitating implantation and supporting a successful pregnancy.
5.3. Using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI, short for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a specialized technique used in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) that is particularly useful when addressing male infertility issues such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
The ICSI process is typically performed as part of the IVF procedure, where a single sperm is carefully chosen and directly injected into the interior of an egg using a microinjection needle. This bypasses the natural fertilization process, eliminating the need for the sperm to penetrate the egg’s outer layer independently.
Before the ICSI procedure, sperm samples are collected and prepared through techniques like washing and centrifugation to isolate motile and morphologically normal sperm. Meanwhile, the female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs, which are then retrieved through follicular aspiration.
During the microinjection step, each egg is held in place, and a selected sperm is immobilized and injected into the cytoplasm of the egg using a microscopic glass needle. This delicate process is performed under a high-powered microscope to ensure accuracy.
After injection, the fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are monitored in the laboratory for signs of successful fertilization. They are cultured for several days to allow development before one or more embryos are chosen for transfer.
When the selected embryos have reached the desired stage of development, typically between the 3rd and 5th day post-fertilization, they are transferred into the woman’s uterus using a catheter inserted through the cervix. The goal is for the embryos to implant in the uterine lining and lead to a successful pregnancy.
ICSI has greatly advanced the treatment of severe male infertility by enabling successful fertilization even in the presence of compromised sperm parameters. By directly injecting sperm into the egg, ICSI overcomes many obstacles that might hinder natural fertilization. While the success rates of ICSI are generally comparable to conventional IVF, individual outcomes can vary depending on factors like the underlying cause of infertility, the quality of the sperm and eggs, and the expertise of the fertility clinic.
6. Fertility and Longevity
6.1. Longevity and Reproductive Lifespan
The potential link between a woman’s reproductive lifespan, which encompasses the period from her first menstruation to menopause, and her overall lifespan has been the subject of numerous studies. This relationship can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the hormonal activity during the reproductive years, particularly the production of estrogen and progesterone, has protective effects on cardiovascular and bone health, cognitive function, and mood. Therefore, a longer reproductive lifespan means an extended period of these potentially beneficial hormonal effects.
Secondly, genetic factors may contribute to both a longer reproductive lifespan and increased overall longevity. Certain genes or genetic variations could be responsible for promoting both late fertility and longevity. Research suggests that women who have children later in life, which is often associated with an extended reproductive lifespan, may have a higher likelihood of living longer due to genetic traits that support late fertility and longevity.
Additionally, telomere length, the protective caps on chromosomes, has been linked to longevity. Longer telomeres are generally associated with a longer lifespan, while shorter telomeres may indicate accelerated aging. Some studies have found a connection between later menopause, indicating a longer reproductive lifespan, and longer telomere length. This suggests that telomere length could be one potential mechanism linking an extended reproductive lifespan to increased longevity.
Lastly, health behaviours and social factors can influence the relationship between reproductive lifespan and longevity. Women who maintain a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, during their reproductive years may be more likely to continue these habits after menopause. These healthy behaviours contribute to overall health and well-being, potentially leading to increased longevity.
6.2. Longevity and Ovarian Decline
Preventing ovarian decline could have several potential benefits to overall health and longevity, based on our current understanding of human physiology. One of the benefits is the regulation of hormones produced by the ovaries, such as estrogen and progesterone. Maintaining ovarian function can help keep hormone levels more youthful, potentially reducing menopausal symptoms and preserving bone density.
Another benefit is the potential improvement in cardiovascular health. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the flexibility of blood vessels, and lower levels of this hormone after menopause are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Preserving ovarian function and hormone production may contribute to better cardiovascular health and longevity.
Furthermore, preventing ovarian decline can also help maintain bone health. Estrogen is essential for maintaining bone density, and lower estrogen levels after menopause can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. Slowing or preventing ovarian decline could help maintain bone density for a longer period, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
In terms of cognitive health, there is evidence suggesting that estrogen plays a role in maintaining cognitive function. Declining estrogen levels during menopause may contribute to an increased risk of cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. By preserving ovarian function and maintaining estrogen levels, we may potentially support better cognitive health in older age.
Additionally, hormonal changes during menopause can impact mental health, leading to conditions such as depression and anxiety. Preventing ovarian decline may help mitigate these risks and support better psychological well-being.
From a fertility perspective, preventing ovarian decline can also extend the reproductive lifespan of women. By preserving ovarian function, women would have more years in which they could choose to have children, providing them with increased reproductive options and flexibility.
7. Overview of Gameto
7.1. Improving the Female Reproductive Journey
The field of women’s reproductive health has been neglected within the healthcare industry, despite the growing global infertility crisis. Existing female reproductive therapies have seen little improvement since their inception decades ago. Moreover, it was not until 1993 that the inclusion of women in clinical trials became a requirement, resulting in a lack of understanding, efficacy, and potentially severe side effects for many modern-day products.
Addressing this gap in the industry, Gameto is dedicated to developing therapies that not only enhance the female reproductive journey but also improve overall lives. By focusing on the rapid aging of ovaries, which provides an ideal window for studying human aging, Gameto aims to align the rate of ovarian aging with that of other organs such as the liver, brain, or skin.
Despite being categorized as “geriatric” in medical terms, the rest of the body often maintains a youthful state, leading to societal and demographic challenges. Gameto recognizes this biological mismatch as a significant problem that needs to be addressed, particularly in the context of increased human health span and lifespan.
Looking ahead, Gameto intends to expand its platform to tackle the broader aging market, recognizing the potential to make a significant impact on the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals. By bridging the gap in research and development, Gameto strives to revolutionize the field of reproductive health and aging, ultimately improving outcomes and empowering individuals on their journey toward better health.
7.2. Deovo and Ameno
Gameto has three, high-impact applications to revolutionize the process of treating infertility.
Deovo — Testing drugs on ovarian tissue outside the body will lead to a data gathering of the environmental influences damaging women’s health and longevity.
Diseases of the female reproductive system have particularly poor animal models, as many of these diseases and conditions don’t occur naturally in animals. These diseases typically have no targeted treatments, leaving patients struggling with symptoms. Deovo is an engineered human reproductive system to improve the drug development process for women.
Ameno — Ovarian tissue can be made healthier in vitro to make menopause precise and even optional. The cells will maintain the health of the ovary longer and prevent the associated the health declines associated with menopause.
The drastic reduction in estrogen levels and other hormonal changes lead to the numerous symptoms of menopause and the risk of other conditions. Ameno is a cell-based therapeutic to disassociate the unwanted effects of menopause that occur with the loss of fertility.
8. Breakdown of Fertilo
8.1. Oocyte Retrieval and Preparation
In Fertilo, patients undergo a regimen of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using hormones to stimulate the ovaries. During this process, oocytes, commonly known as eggs, are retrieved, including immature ones that would typically be discarded. After retrieval, the oocytes are carefully cleaned and assessed to determine their level of maturation.
Following assessment, some of the retrieved oocytes are placed in a specialized medium that facilitates their transportation to the research laboratory for further studies. Meanwhile, other oocytes are subjected to vitrification, a process of freezing, to preserve them for future use.
In certain cases, a small number of previously frozen mature oocytes, specifically those at the metaphase II (MII) stage, may also be utilized for experimental purposes. These oocytes serve as valuable resources for scientific investigations and advancements in reproductive research.
8.2. Creation and Preparation of Ovarian Supporting Cells (OSCs)
Ovarian Supporting Cells (OSCs) are obtained from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) through a derivation process. Once derived, the OSCs are produced and cryopreserved for future use. In the laboratory, the cryopreserved OSCs are thawed, carefully washed, and resuspended in a specific medium to prepare them for further experimentation.
Next, the OSCs are added to culture dishes in preparation for the addition of oocytes. Both the OSCs and the oocytes are co-cultured together for a period of 24 to 28 hours. This co-culture allows the interaction and mutual support between the OSCs and the oocytes.
At the end of the co-culture period, the oocytes are removed from the culture system. They are then imaged and subsequently frozen for further analysis. The imaging process helps capture visual data that can be utilized in evaluating the development and characteristics of the oocytes. Freezing the oocytes allows for their preservation and future examination or experimentation as needed.
8.3. Evaluation, Analysis, and Molecular Study
Mature oocytes are kept in a specific medium for a few hours before undergoing in vitro maturation using commercially-available media. After culture, the oocytes are denuded, assessed for maturation using the Total Oocyte Score (TOS) grading system, and examined for the position of the meiotic metaphase spindle.
The oocytes are then cryopreserved individually for future analysis. RNA sequencing is performed on the frozen oocytes to generate transcriptomic profiles, which are compared to a cohort of in vivo matured IVF-MII samples. The analysis involves scoring the oocytes for similarity to specific marker gene sets to understand their gene expression patterns and molecular characteristics.
8.4. Results
HiPSC-derived OSCs consist mainly of granulosa-like cells and ovarian stroma-like cells. When stimulated by FSH hormone in vitro, these OSCs produce growth factors and steroids that are essential for their interaction with oocytes and cumulus cells. To investigate their capability in promoting human oocyte maturation, a co-culture system was established using these OSCs and retrieved immature oocytes.
In comparison to a control group (Media-IVM) without OSCs, the OSC-IVM group showed a significant improvement in oocyte maturation rates, approximately 1.7 times higher. The OSC-IVM group achieved a maturation rate of 62% ± 5.57% SEM, while the Media-IVM group had a maturation rate of 37% ± 8.96% SEM. However, there were no significant differences in the morphological quality of the matured oocytes, as assessed using the Total Oocyte Score (TOS), between the two IVM conditions.
These results suggest that in vitro maturation of denuded oocytes using OSC co-culture enhances the rate of oocyte maturation compared to spontaneous maturation in the control IVM media, without negatively impacting the morphological quality of the matured oocytes. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing hiPSC-derived OSCs to rescue immature denuded oocytes obtained from IVF procedures.
9. Conclusion
To provide an analogy, we can compare hiPSC-derived OSCs to nurturing gardeners in a garden, and the immature oocytes to delicate flowers. The OSCs, like the gardeners, produce growth factors and create a supportive environment necessary for the flowers’ growth and blossoming.
When the flowers are placed in the presence of these nurturing gardeners (co-culture with OSCs), they experience a significant boost in their maturation process compared to flowers left to mature on their own (control group without OSCs). Similarly, the OSCs enhance the maturation of denuded oocytes, rescuing them from a stagnant state and facilitating their development.
Just as the flowers benefit from the nurturing gardeners without compromising their quality or appearance, the oocytes mature at an increased rate with the help of OSCs without affecting their morphological features. The OSCs act as caretakers, providing essential support and creating an optimal environment for the oocytes to reach their full potential, similar to how gardeners enable flowers to flourish.
In both cases, the presence of nurturing figures, whether gardeners or OSCs, enhances the growth and development of delicate entities, leading to improved outcomes and maximizing their beauty and potential.
10. TL;DR
1. Oogenesis: The process of ovum formation starts with the development of oogonia, which multiplies and forms a pool of cells in the ovaries. During meiosis, primary oocytes are formed, and after puberty, a small number of primary oocytes mature each menstrual cycle. Meiosis I and II lead to the formation of a mature ovum.
2. Spermatogenesis: Sperm production begins with spermatogonia in the testes. Spermatocytogenesis results in the formation of primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis I and II to produce spermatids. Spermiogenesis transforms spermatids into mature spermatozoa. Sperm are released from the testes, undergo further maturation, and are ejaculated during sexual intercourse.
3. Female Infertility: Ovarian dysfunction, tubal infertility, uterine or cervical conditions, age, endocrine disorders, immunological causes, and unexplained factors can contribute to female infertility.
4. Male Infertility: Sperm disorders, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorders, varicoceles, genetic disorders, and lifestyle factors can lead to male infertility.
5. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, embryo culture, and transfer. In vitro maturation (IVM) matures retrieved immature eggs in the laboratory. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) injects a single sperm directly into an egg.
6. Fertility and Longevity: Reproductive lifespan may be linked to overall lifespan due to hormonal effects, genetic factors, telomere length, and healthy behaviours. Preventing ovarian decline can have benefits for hormone regulation, cardiovascular and bone health, cognitive health, psychological well-being, and extending the reproductive lifespan.
7. Gameto: Gameto aims to improve female reproductive health and longevity by aligning ovarian aging with other organs. They utilize Deovo to test drugs on ovarian tissue, Ameno to make menopause precise and optional, and focus on research and development to revolutionize reproductive health.
8. Fertilo: Fertilo involves oocyte retrieval, preparation, creation of ovarian supporting cells (OSCs) from hiPSCs, co-culturing OSCs with oocytes to enhance maturation, and evaluation through imaging and molecular analysis.
