Scientific Analysis of Chromosomal Abnormalities in Female Eggs
he chromosomal integrity of the egg, which is the starting point of life, is the “blueprint of life”. According to statistics, the rate of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos of women over 30 years of age is more than 40%, and the rate is as high as 75% in women over 40 years of age.28 This genetic imbalance has become one of the most difficult challenges in modern reproductive medicine. This article combines the latest research from the Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine and The Lancet Special Issue on Reproductive Health to reveal the underlying mechanisms and breakthrough solutions for chromosomal abnormalities. I.Mechanism of chromosomal abnormality: a complex network beyond age The development of an egg from the primordial follicle to maturity requires two meiotic divisions, a process that is like a “tightrope walk” for DNA. Studies have shown that 85% of chromosomal errors occur in late meiosis, 3-4 months before ovulation, rather than the traditionally perceived long period of accumulation.1 Chromosome segregation at this time requires a large amount of ATP energy, and a decline in mitochondrial function will directly lead to chromosome non-segregation – the number of mitochondrial DNA copies in the oocyte of a woman at age 35 is down 60% compared to that of an egg at age 25.2 60% decline. Key Data: Meiosis I error rate: 27% (age 30) → 53% (age 40)Percentage of trisomic embryos: trisomy 21 (23%), trisomy 16 (18%), monosomy X (12%) Environmental endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) can silence key genes for reproduction such as HOXA10 through DNA methylation modifications. The UCLA study found that for every 1 ng/mL increase in urinary BPA concentration, there was a 12% increase in the risk of egg aneuploidy. Follicular fluid from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has a unique metabolic profile: 3-fold…