NUS researchers develop new technique to address age-related fertility issues

This could improve outcomes for assisted reproductive technologies.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a technique to enhance the reproductive potential of aged oocytes, or immature egg cells, potentially leading to improved outcomes for assisted reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in older women.

The research, led by Rong Li, director of the Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), and Wang Haiyang, senior research fellow, showed that the aged follicular environment affects the quality and developmental potential of young oocytes. Additionally, they found that aged oocytes could be rejuvenated by transplanting them into a younger follicular environment.

Li noted that ovarian follicles containing oocytes are the fastest-ageing system in the human body, driving the team's interest in understanding this ageing process and addressing age-related fertility issues.

The researchers aim to further explore how the young follicular environment improves the quality of aged oocytes, validate these findings with human cells and oocytes, and develop an optimised follicle cell line for better IVF outcomes. The team has filed a patent for the method used to rejuvenate aged oocytes.

The Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, NUS Medicine, and the National Research Foundation, Singapore funded the study.