Fluid ‘stickiness’ in female reproductive tract could influence fertility

In a research offering essential new insights into the event of the feminine reproductive tract and fertility, researchers have revealed how the thickness of fluid surrounding the egg can affect the mobile construction of the fallopian tube and the way effectively the egg or embryo travels alongside it.

Published in Nature Communications, the Monash University research sheds gentle on how variations within the “stickiness” or viscosity of the fluid within the feminine reproductive tract affect how cells are modified to facilitate the transport of eggs for fertilization.

Led by Melati Abdul Halim, a Ph.D. candidate within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the research highlights the potential for brand spanking new therapies that might mimic or modify the pure stickiness of fluids within the reproductive system, providing hope for developments in fertility therapies.

“Imagine the distinction between strolling via water versus thick mud. This is what it is like for tiny cells within the feminine reproductive tract, the place the stickiness of the fluid can range,” Halim mentioned.

“When the fluid is thicker, the additional resistance causes the cells to vary their conduct. Some cells begin rising tiny hair-like buildings known as cilia, which assist transfer issues like eggs alongside the reproductive tract. The thicker the fluid, the extra cilia these cells produce, and the extra coordinated their actions turn into. This coordinated beating sample can facilitate the formation of metachronal waves, important for the transport of eggs and embryos.”

Corresponding and senior writer Dr. Reza Nosrati mentioned the findings counsel that the pure stickiness of fluid in our our bodies may play a key position in processes like fertilization.

“The research means that the elevated viscosity at sure levels of the menstrual cycle may very well be a pure mechanism to boost the formation and coordination of cilia, thus facilitating fertilization. This essential facet of pure fertilization and the position of upper viscosity fluid within the reproductive tract might have extra cautious analysis as a part of infertility prognosis and assisted copy practices,” Dr. Nosrati mentioned.

“It supplies insights into how the viscosity (thickness, stickiness) of extracellular fluid influences the conduct of epithelial cells lining the fallopian tubes and may very well be key to understanding and doubtlessly treating fertility points.”