Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

The reproductive organs of women do not evolve linearly with age

They have created a map of the evolution of the female reproductive system through the analysis of thousands of images and gene expression in tissues. In this way, it has been shown that with age the evolution is not uniform and that there are important differences in the changes that occur in menopause between organs.

The research was carried out at the Supercomputing Center of Barcelona, using artificial intelligence and the power of the supercomputer Mare Nostrum 5. Specifically, the expression of thousands of genes in seven organs: uterus, ovaries, vagina, cervix, breasts and fallopian tubes has been studied in samples of women between 20 and 70 years old.

“They have seen that the ovaries and vagina evolve linearly with age, while the uterus experiences a much more violent change.”

Thus, it has been observed that the ovaries and vagina evolve linearly with age, while the uterus undergoes a much more violent change. In addition, the differences are not only between organs, but also in the same organ, depending on the tissues, there are differences: in the mucosa of the muscles of the uterus, for example, the changes associated with menopause are especially noticeable.

According to the researchers, until now they believed that the end of ovarian function was what led to menopause. now, however, they have shown that this is a point of change that initiates the reorganization of the reproductive system at the genetic and molecular level.

Bioindicators

In fact, the study confirms that age-related molecular indicators can be detected in the blood. These bioindicators are useful for non-invasive monitoring of reproductive organs. This would allow the prediction of certain health problems, such as pelvic floor prolapse, without the need for biopsies.

Researchers believe that the map makes a valuable contribution, especially in view of the gap in concessional research and the increase in life expectancy.