News | Extending Ovarian Healthspan: New Research Offers a Breakthrough
A Northwestern University study identified a new way to extend ovarian "healthspan," offering hope for preserving ovarian function and health. Ovarian healthspan is the time during which the ovaries remain healthy and free of major or chronic disease.
The ovaries are central to fertility and overall health. They produce eggs and regulate functions ranging from menstruation and pregnancy to bone density and mood. Ovarian function declines with age and largely stops at menopause, which occurs at an average age of 51.
Using the drug pirfenidone, commonly used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, in mice, the researchers slowed ovarian aging, improved function, and reduced age-related changes such as ovarian fibrosis.
Improving the Ovarian Environment
With age, ovaries become increasingly inflamed, fibrotic, and stiff. This environment may support cancer-cell growth and reduce egg quality, helping explain fertility decline in the 30s and 40s. Reducing fibrosis increased follicle numbers, improved ovulation, and maintained normal hormone levels in mice.
Although the study provided proof of concept, pirfenidone is not yet suitable for this use in people because of significant side effects such as liver toxicity. The team is seeking a safer, effective drug to extend ovarian healthspan.
Future Outlook
Extending the fertile window is only part of the goal. The main focus is improving overall ovarian health so the ovaries produce essential hormones longer. These hormones support bone, cardiovascular, sexual, cognitive, and emotional health.
Study author Professor Francesca Duncan of Northwestern University noted that current fertility options such as egg freezing are temporary measures. Improving the ovarian environment could extend fertility and reduce health risks associated with ovarian aging.
The study, "Systemic Low-Dose Antifibrotic Treatment Slows Ovarian Aging in Mice," was published in GeroScience.
News | Extending Ovarian Healthspan: New Research Offers a Breakthrough
News | Extending Ovarian Healthspan: New Research Offers a Breakthrough
A Northwestern University study identified a new way to extend ovarian "healthspan," offering hope for preserving ovarian function and health. Ovarian healthspan is the time during which the ovaries remain healthy and free of major or chronic disease.
The ovaries are central to fertility and overall health. They produce eggs and regulate functions ranging from menstruation and pregnancy to bone density and mood. Ovarian function declines with age and largely stops at menopause, which occurs at an average age of 51.
Using the drug pirfenidone, commonly used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, in mice, the researchers slowed ovarian aging, improved function, and reduced age-related changes such as ovarian fibrosis.
Improving the Ovarian Environment
With age, ovaries become increasingly inflamed, fibrotic, and stiff. This environment may support cancer-cell growth and reduce egg quality, helping explain fertility decline in the 30s and 40s. Reducing fibrosis increased follicle numbers, improved ovulation, and maintained normal hormone levels in mice.
Although the study provided proof of concept, pirfenidone is not yet suitable for this use in people because of significant side effects such as liver toxicity. The team is seeking a safer, effective drug to extend ovarian healthspan.
Future Outlook
Extending the fertile window is only part of the goal. The main focus is improving overall ovarian health so the ovaries produce essential hormones longer. These hormones support bone, cardiovascular, sexual, cognitive, and emotional health.
Study author Professor Francesca Duncan of Northwestern University noted that current fertility options such as egg freezing are temporary measures. Improving the ovarian environment could extend fertility and reduce health risks associated with ovarian aging.
The study, "Systemic Low-Dose Antifibrotic Treatment Slows Ovarian Aging in Mice," was published in GeroScience.
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