The discovery may well change the lives of women with infertility. In Copenhagen, Denmark, a team of researchers has developed the first artificial ovary, created from human tissues and eggs.
According to information published Tuesday by the British daily The Guardian, the synthetic organ is manufactured by 3D bio-printing. He would be able to keep alive human eggs for several weeks. This technological feat could be a first step towards healing infertility. In particular, the approach would allow women who have undergone aggressive treatments harmful to reproductive systems, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, to recover their fertility.
Prevent the risks of freezing
In May 2017, researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago had already worked on alternatives to current technologies, which do not provide long-term solutions. Ovarian freezing is today the most commonly proposed alternative to patients and the most effective.
Between 2004 and 2012, more than thirty children worldwide were born through this process. However, the procedure is not without risk. The ovary, removed and frozen before the cancer treatment phase, can lead to tumor cell proliferation at the time of its re-implantation into the body. For example, some high-risk patients, such as those with leukemia, are not offered this option.
Successful implantation on mice
The researchers made ovaries in which they introduced ovarian follicles taken from mice. In the meantime, new blood vessels have grown around the ovary, which greatly limits the chances of malignant cells reappearing. The artificial ovaries were then grafted onto seven mice, three of which gave birth to perfectly healthy litters of young mice.
"This is the first proof that we can actually make these eggs work. This is an important step, welcomed Susanne Pors, one of the doctors in charge of the study. But it may take another five to ten years of work before we can test the woman. "
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