The research was published in the Aging Cell, a monthly peer-reviewed journal.
The scientists in an interview with Times of Israel said the research was conducted on hundreds of mice eggs and then human eggs that were leftover from In vitro fertilisation cycles and donated to science.
According to them, the “reverse aged” eggs have chromosomes that look more like those from younger eggs, had less damaged DNA, and mature better in test tubes.
The scientists explained that there are other similar ageing mechanisms in the eggs they have not affected, adding that they were yet to introduce sperm to eggs that underwent the process, and so do not know if they have improved fertility. They, however, said they hope to do so soon.
The lead researcher and a molecular biologist with Hebrew University, Dr. Michael Klutstein, said the discovery would increase fertility and make pregnancy in older women possible.
He said his team successfully identified one of the ageing processes that prevent the successful maturation of an egg cell.
He said, “Many women are trying to get pregnant aged 40 or over, and we think this could actually increase their level of fertility. Within 10 years, we hope to use anti-viral drugs to increase fertility among older women.
“Women become less fertile with age, as their egg cells begin to accumulate genetic damage. By the late 30s, eggs have often accumulated so much damage to the DNA that they are unable to mature and be fertilised. Other complications also become more common in geriatric pregnancies.
“A battle happens inside a woman’s body, and eggs are one of the key targets. What happens is that parts of the DNA have the ability to attack and harm other parts of the DNA. They do this exactly like a virus attack, by making copies of themselves inside the cell.”
The lead researcher explained that normally the body is able to mount an effective defense to protect the egg, but that with age, natural resistance becomes weakened.
He added, “Because the attacking DNA behaves like a virus, we hypothesised that anti-viral medicine administered to eggs may reverse age and rejuvenate them, and found in our laboratory that this is the case. We tested hundreds of mouse eggs and then human eggs, which confirmed the hypothesis.”
The Times of Israel reported that Klutstein will soon start IVF with “rejuvenated” mice eggs to assess whether his process increases the chance of reproduction.
The publication noted that he is “fairly confident” that it will lead to improved outcomes, and prove a step towards using the innovation to help women.
Source: HealthWise
