The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with Amity University, has introduced an innovative AI-based tool to address male infertility caused by Y chromosome microdeletion (YCMD). Read More
Male infertility is a significant issue, affecting nearly 50% of couples who face difficulty in conceiving. According to Deepak Modi, senior scientist at ICMR’s National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), male infertility is often due to complications with sperm production. One of the leading causes of male infertility is Y chromosome microdeletion, which affects about 10% of men experiencing infertility. Y chromosome microdeletion hampers sperm production, rendering many men with this condition unable to conceive naturally. As a result, men with YCMD typically require assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF, to become fathers. However, these men face additional challenges due to the genetic defect, which is inherited exclusively through the male line and leads to infertility in male offspring. In response to these challenges, the ICMR and Amity University developed an advanced AI tool called the ‘Fertility Predictor.’ This AI-based tool predicts sperm retrieval rates and the success of ART procedures, such as IVF, for men with YCMD. The tool leverages machine learning algorithms to assess various factors influencing fertility, including the type of Y chromosome microdeletion present. The ‘Fertility Predictor’ provides couples with critical data, such as the likelihood of successful sperm retrieval, fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. This predictive capability helps couples make informed decisions about their reproductive options. While the tool offers valuable insights, Dr. Modi cautioned that male babies born from IVF in men with YCMD will inherit the same genetic condition, resulting in infertility for future generations. The development of the ‘Fertility Predictor’ took over two years of intensive research and data collection. Scientists compiled data from over 500 men diagnosed with YCMD, all of whom underwent ART treatments. Using this extensive dataset, the team applied AI and machine learning algorithms to predict IVF outcomes. After applying these algorithms, the tool was tested on another set of patients to validate its accuracy, with results showing a predictive accuracy of approximately 80%. Stacy Colaco, a scientist at NIRRCH and the first author of the study, emphasized that the ‘Fertility Predictor’ demonstrates robust accuracy, with the ability to predict both clinical pregnancy and live birth rates for men with YCMD. Abhishek Sengupta, assistant professor of biotechnology at Amity University, added that the AI tool provides numerical outputs for these key metrics, helping doctors and patients understand their chances of success with IVF. The validation studies confirmed that the tool is highly effective, offering predictions based solely on the specific type of Y chromosome microdeletion. This level of precision enhances the decision-making process for couples and fertility specialists, improving the chances of successful ART outcomes. The development of the ‘Fertility Predictor‘ marks a significant advancement in the field of reproductive medicine, particularly for men with genetic infertility conditions. With a high level of accuracy, this AI tool can revolutionize the way infertility is managed, offering a more personalized and informed approach to IVF treatments. As researchers continue to improve and refine the tool, it is expected to play an increasingly vital role in fertility care, providing couples with hope and clarity in their journey toward parenthood. However, further studies and broader application will be essential to maximize the tool’s potential and ensure that it remains a reliable resource for ART success. Reference Link : https://theindianpractitioner.com/icmrs-ai-tool-predicts-fertility-outcomes-for-men-with-genetic-infertility/ Understanding the Impact of Y Chromosome Microdeletion
The ‘Fertility Predictor’: A Step Toward Precision in Reproductive Medicine
Developing the AI Tool: Data Collection and Validation
High Accuracy and Robust Predictions
The Future of Fertility Treatment
Indian Council of Medical Research Develops AI Tool to Predict IVF Success in Men with Infertility
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with Amity University, has introduced an innovative AI-based tool to address male infertility caused by Y chromosome microdeletion (YCMD). Read More