我科学家发现治疗不孕新靶点

Core Insights - A groundbreaking study from Nankai University reveals a potential treatment for infertility in women over 34, linked to ribosomal dysfunction as a molecular clock of aging [1][2] - The research indicates that the drug rapamycin may serve as a safe and effective method to help women with repeated IVF failures achieve successful pregnancies and live births [1][2] Research Findings - The study identifies significant transcriptional changes in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells after the age of 34, particularly an abnormal increase in ribosomal gene transcription [1] - Key gene expressions related to meiosis, actin, and adhesion proteins are downregulated, while lysosomal activity and protein homeostasis in cumulus cells are disrupted [1][2] Mechanism of Action - The research highlights that the abnormal function of ribosomes is a previously overlooked driver of declining oocyte quality, linked to epigenetic dysregulation [2] - Specific genomic loci exhibit DNA hypomethylation and reduced levels of heterochromatin H3K9me3, indicating a chaotic control system for gene expression [2] Clinical Application - The study includes a randomized controlled trial demonstrating that short-term treatment with rapamycin can lead to the production of high-quality blastocysts in women with repeated IVF failures, resulting in successful pregnancies [2] - The director of the Reproductive Medicine Center at Shanxi Children's Hospital emphasizes the encouraging preliminary results, suggesting a new pathway for understanding and treating age-related infertility [2]