Stem cells missing in some recurrent miscarriages

Recent research from the University of Warwick, in conjunction with Tommy’s, has indicated that the cause of recurrent miscarriages in some women may be due to defects in the lining of the womb. This has been deemed a ‘major breakthrough’ by Professor Quenby, part of the research team, as it now gives hope to families experiencing recurrent miscarriages, as knowing a potential cause, can result in appropriately directed treatment plans.

The research assessed 183 patients in Coventry and discovered that those who had experienced repeated miscarriages presented with defects in their womb lining. During each cycle, stem cells in the womb aid renewal of the lining. The research suggests that accelerated ageing of the womb lining, causing failures in some pregnancies, is the result of a shortfall in these stem cells.

The team leading the research are part of Tommy’s Early Miscarriage Research Centre, which launched in April 2016. Professor Brosens, who is part of the team, further explained: “Cultured cells from women who had had three or more consecutive miscarriages showed that ageing cells in the lining of the womb don’t have the ability to prepare adequately for pregnancy”.

As a result of this finding, research can begin trialling related treatments with the hope of preventing miscarriages. It has been proposed to improve screening of women who are at risk of recurrent miscarriages, as well as developing drugs and interventions to potentially increase stem cell populations. One of these could be the endometrial ‘scratch’ procedure which helps embryos to implant in the womb, which Tommy’s are currently trialling.

More information about this study can be found here.
For more information on Tommy’s new Early Miscarriage Research Centre, visit their website here.