Targeting Versatile Uterine Enzyme Could Boost IVF Success.

BioWorld International Correspondent

LONDON u An enzyme found in the uterus can influence the ability of the embryo to implant and the risk of subsequent miscarriage, a study has found.

By enhancing or suppressing the effect of the molecule before and after implantation of the embryo, it may be possible to develop a huge range of novel therapies: treatments for infertility, treatments to boost the success of IVF or to reduce the risk of recurrent miscarriage, new contraceptives and alternative methods for medical termination of pregnancy.

Jan Brosens, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Warwick, told BioWorld International: "We have discovered an enzyme called SGK1, which plays two distinct roles in the womb to promote fertility. We found that SGK1 needs to be down-regulated to allow embryo implantation, but …