Scientists in China have discovered that the cause of age—related infertility is the dysfunction of ribosomes, cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. According to the Xinhua news agency, the disruption of their work begins after about 35 years of age and leads to errors in the division of chromosomes, reducing the quality of eggs and the chances of successful embryo development.
The research team tested the drug rapamycin, which can suppress excessive ribosome activity. Experiments have shown that it restores the protein balance and improves the condition of eggs.
During clinical trials, women who had previously failed to conceive a child with IVF were able to produce high-quality embryos and successfully become pregnant after a course of rapamycin. The scientists emphasize that more extensive research is needed before the method can be put into widespread practice.
