New discoveries bring hope to infertility

Hong Kong scientists said on August 26 that they discovered a molecule that helps to attach sperm to eggs. This is a breakthrough that brings new hope for infertile couples.

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In their study, researchers at Hong Kong University (HKU) found an important molecule on the coating of human eggs, called sialyl-LewisX (SLeX) , which acts as a binder. sperm and eggs together.

"This work offers the answer to elucidate the fundamental importance of human fertilization, ie how sperm attaches to eggs,"   William Yeung, one of the researchers, told AFP.

However, according to him, 'this is only the first step that will lead to more discoveries.' Determining SLeX will bring hope to infertile patients due to the lack of this binding substance.

The study, conducted in 2009, found SLeX over 70% of a total of 195 unfertilized eggs tested. These eggs are donated by patients.

Researchers hope their findings will be put into clinical use within two years.

The study was conducted in collaboration with research teams from Imperial College in the UK, Academia Sinica in Taiwan and University of Missouri in the United States.

Research also leads data from the World Health Organization, saying infertility affects about 15% of couples in childbearing age.