Scientists have made a breakthrough in IVF success rates by "rejuvenating" human eggs using microinjections of a crucial protein. This innovative technique could revolutionize fertility treatment for older women, who are often met with declining egg quality and increased risk of chromosome disorders like Down's syndrome.
Researchers at Ovo Labs claim to have successfully reversed an age-related defect that causes genetic errors in embryos by supplementing eggs with Shugoshin 1, a protein that helps align X-shaped chromosomes. The study found that treated eggs had almost half the number of eggs showing this defect compared to untreated eggs.
The researchers, led by Prof Melina Schuh, used eggs donated by fertility patients and found that microinjections of Shugoshin 1 reduced the incidence of chromosome disorders from 53% to 29%. The approach showed a significant improvement in egg quality, particularly for women over 35 years old.
However, it's essential to note that this treatment is not suitable for all women and will only work until menopause when the egg reserve runs out. The research team plans to discuss their findings with regulators and are exploring the possibility of conducting a clinical trial.
If confirmed in larger trials, this technique has the potential to significantly improve IVF success rates and give older women a better chance at having healthy embryos. Dr GΓΌneΕ Taylor, an expert in fertility treatment, described the findings as "really promising" and emphasized the importance of developing approaches that work for older eggs.
The decline in egg quality is the primary cause of IVF failure and miscarriage in older women, and this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for those struggling with fertility issues. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of this technique, the potential rewards are undeniable.
Researchers at Ovo Labs claim to have successfully reversed an age-related defect that causes genetic errors in embryos by supplementing eggs with Shugoshin 1, a protein that helps align X-shaped chromosomes. The study found that treated eggs had almost half the number of eggs showing this defect compared to untreated eggs.
The researchers, led by Prof Melina Schuh, used eggs donated by fertility patients and found that microinjections of Shugoshin 1 reduced the incidence of chromosome disorders from 53% to 29%. The approach showed a significant improvement in egg quality, particularly for women over 35 years old.
However, it's essential to note that this treatment is not suitable for all women and will only work until menopause when the egg reserve runs out. The research team plans to discuss their findings with regulators and are exploring the possibility of conducting a clinical trial.
If confirmed in larger trials, this technique has the potential to significantly improve IVF success rates and give older women a better chance at having healthy embryos. Dr GΓΌneΕ Taylor, an expert in fertility treatment, described the findings as "really promising" and emphasized the importance of developing approaches that work for older eggs.
The decline in egg quality is the primary cause of IVF failure and miscarriage in older women, and this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for those struggling with fertility issues. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of this technique, the potential rewards are undeniable.