 factors that contribute to mortality of eggs is a protein called interleukin-1 (IL-1) – who belongs to the group of proteins belonging to the innate immune system. The role of the protein is known to help fight off infections and healing tissue damage. At the same time, the protein is also known as a stimulant unrelated infections and is associated with infections among other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Ostensibly, there should be an impact on a woman’s reproductive mechanisms.
This relationship was discovered by chance. “We started working on a few years ago the protein framework of research on atherosclerosis and inflammation in the liver. While research conducted in mice, we found the missing mouse interleukin-1 continue to conceive at the mice in the control group did not get pregnant,” says Dr. Kamer. Phenomenon discovered incidentally, became the basis for new research dealing with the influence of interleukin-1 on reproductive mechanisms.
The researchers found that a lack of protein in the mouse causes the ovaries to respond to the hormone whose role is to induce ovulation. The study examined mice at an older age – girls 10-12 months (equivalent to age 40 for women), found that the pregnancy rate and the number of offspring of mice that neutralized the activity of the protein, was significantly higher in the control group relative to the mouse.
In addition, it was found that the number of eggs in the ovaries of these mice was higher during the reproductive period. “We do not know exactly what course of action which affects the protein on egg mortality,” says Snow. “When it comes to the chain of biochemical processes, sometimes when you close one door opens another door and not always clear how.
This requires further research. Meanwhile, in the present study we found that the lack of the protein interleukin-1 reduces the mortality of eggs. This means more database ovarian oocytes. Practical level this means disabling the protein may allow the future to raise a lot more eggs for fertilization. ”
According to the chamber, triggers inflammation are part of the innate immune system and are designed to help the body cope with external invaders. However, in recent decades increasingly relies also understand that they have other effects on body systems. “In this context, we know that women who suffer from diseases that accompany arthritis suffer from lower fertility,” he says.
According to the researchers, the study results may improve the treatment of women trying to become pregnant through in vitro fertilization in old age, which is obtained at a weak response to hormones. In most cases, the reason for this is unknown, and their treatment is a medical challenge.