Embryo screening methods for second generation IVF
With the continuous progress of science and technology, the current IVF technology has entered the second generation, making the embryo screening process more accurate and reliable. The embryo screening methods of the second generation IVF mainly include genome analysis, genetic screening, genetic metabolic disease screening and chromosome screening.
1. Genome analysis
Genome analysis is the high-throughput sequencing of all genes of IVF embryos to detect whether there are gene mutations or pathogenic genes in the embryos. This technology can help doctors screen embryos that may suffer from genetic diseases in the future, so as to select healthy embryos for transplantation. For example, the genome sequencing technology of Columbia University Medical Center can simultaneously detect thousands of disease related mutations.
Genomic analysis is usually carried out after the eggs are taken and the embryos are cultured for 5-6 days. Using non-invasive embryo genome analysis technology, it is only necessary to collect cells from the blastocyst fluid around the embryo for detection, without the need for traumatic sampling of the embryo. This greatly reduces the harm to embryos and improves the success rate of IVF.
However, genome analysis also has some limitations and disputes. On the one hand, genome analysis involves a large amount of gene information, and the technical requirements for data analysis and interpretation are very high. On the other hand, genome analysis may reveal some unexplained interest inequality issues, such as whether to disclose the information of certain genetic diseases.
2. Genetic screening
Genetic screening is to screen out embryos related to chromosomal abnormalities by detecting the chromosome structure and number of IVF embryos. Common genetic screening methods include chromosome karyotype analysis and submicron deletion screening.
Chromosome karyotype analysis is to detect whether there are chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down's syndrome (21 trisomy syndrome), through chromosome counting and structural analysis of embryonic cells. In addition, subminiature deletion screening can detect smaller chromosome deletions, such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
Genetic screening technology has become more and more mature, and its accuracy has also been greatly improved. For example, the embryo chromosome karyotype analysis technology carried out by Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine can detect the chromosome abnormality rate of embryos and help select high-quality embryos for transplantation.
3. Screening of genetic metabolic diseases
Genetic metabolic disease is a kind of hereditary disease caused by abnormal metabolism of genetic material. In the second generation of IVF embryo screening, the screening of genetic metabolic diseases also occupies an important position.
Genetic metabolic disease screening mainly determines whether there is abnormal metabolism by detecting the concentration of metabolites in embryos. For example, the research team of Shanghai Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences has carried out embryo screening technology for a variety of genetic and metabolic diseases, such as phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, etc.
Through genetic metabolic disease screening, metabolic abnormalities in embryos can be found as early as possible, and timely prevention and treatment can be carried out to reduce the risk of infant disease.
4. Chromosome screening
In addition to genetic screening, chromosome screening is also an important part of second-generation IVF embryo screening. Chromosome screening is to detect the number and structure of chromosomes in embryonic cells to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
Chromosome screening can help doctors find chromosomal problems that may lead to survival, such as sex chromosome abnormalities or the risk of miscarriage. For example, the chromosome screening technology adopted by the UCSF Center for Women's Eugenics at the University of California, San Francisco, can detect the chromosome abnormality rate of embryos and help select healthy embryos for transplantation.
Summary
Embryo screening methods for second-generation IVF include genome analysis, genetic screening, genetic metabolic disease screening and chromosome screening. Genome analysis detects whether there are gene mutations or pathogenic genes by sequencing the genes of embryos. Genetic screening is to analyze the chromosome of the embryo to detect whether there is chromosomal abnormality. Genetic metabolic disease screening determines whether there is abnormal metabolism by detecting the concentration of metabolites. Chromosome screening is to detect the number and structure of chromosomes in embryonic cells to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
These screening methods can help doctors choose healthy embryos for transplantation, reduce the risk of IVF disease, and improve the success rate. However, these methods also have certain limitations and disputes, such as data interpretation and interest inequality. With the continuous development of science and technology, the embryo screening method of second-generation IVF will be further improved, bringing good news to more families.
