What will the future hold for artificial organs in the service of assisted reproduction: prospects and considerations

Abstract

Assisted reproduction provides a wide spectrum of treatments and strategies addressing infertility. However, distinct groups of infertile patients with unexplained infertility, congenital disorders, and other complex cases pose a challenge in in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices. This special cohort of patients is associated with futile attempts, IVF overuse, and dead ends in management. Cutting edge research on animal models introduced this concept, along with the development of artificial organs with the aim to mimic the respective physiological functions in reproduction. Extrapolation on clinical application leads to the future use of infertility management in humans. To date, the successful clinical application of artificial reproductive organs in humans is not feasible because further animal model studies are required prior to clinical trials. The application of these artificial organs could provide a solution to infertility cases with no other options. This manuscript presents an overview on the current status, future prospects, and considerations on the potential clinical application of artificial ovary, uterus, and gametes in humans. This paper presents how the IVF practice landscape may be shaped and challenged in the future, along with the subsequent concerns in assisted reproductive treatments.

Keywords

artificial ovary / artificial uterus / artificial gametes / assisted reproduction / considerations / in vitro fertilization

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Compliance with ethics guidelines

Mara Simopoulou, Konstantinos Sfakianoudis, Petroula Tsioulou, Anna Rapani, Polina Giannelou, Nikolaos Kiriakopoulos, Agni Pantou, Nikolaos Vlahos, George Anifandis, Stamatis Bolaris, Konstantinos Pantos, and Michael Koutsilieris declare that they have no conflict of interest. This manuscript is a review article and does not involve a research protocol requiring the approval of a relevant institutional review board or ethics committee.

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