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Scientists "Rejuvenate" Eggs, Boosting IVF
9 Jan
Summary
- Protein injection nearly halves age-related defects in human eggs.
- New method could significantly improve IVF success for older women.
- Research aims to reduce genetic errors in embryos from older eggs.
Scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully "rejuvenating" human eggs, a development poised to dramatically enhance IVF success for older women. The research demonstrates that supplementing eggs with Shugoshin 1, a protein that declines with age, can reverse a defect causing genetic errors in embryos. Treated eggs showed a nearly 50% reduction in chromosomal abnormalities compared to untreated ones.
This innovative approach targets the decline in egg quality, a primary factor in IVF failure and miscarriage among older women. By restoring Shugoshin 1 levels, researchers aim to improve the number of chromosomally normal eggs available for fertilization. This could translate into higher pregnancy rates and fewer genetic disorders like Down's syndrome.
The findings, presented at the British Fertility Conference, have generated considerable excitement. If further trials confirm these results, the technique could offer a more efficient IVF pathway, potentially enabling conception within a single treatment cycle for many women. Discussions with regulators are underway for a clinical trial.
