Posts Tagged ‘research’

ScienceDaily (May 18, 2009) — Researchers from the National Institutes of Health and other institutions have identified in mice two proteins essential for ovulation to take place.

The finding has implications for treating infertility resulting from a failure of ovulation to occur as well as for developing new means to prevent pregnancy by preventing the release of the egg.

The proteins, called ERK1 and ERK2, appear to bring about the maturation and release of the egg.

The study, appearing in the May 15 issue of Science, was funded in part by two NIH institutes, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

“Ovulation results from a complex interplay of chemical sequences,” said Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the NICHD. “The researchers have identified a crucial biochemical intermediary controlling the release of the egg. The finding advances our understanding and may one day contribute to new treatments for infertility as well as new ways to prevent pregnancy from occurring.”

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A biologist at Wichita State University has made a breakthrough discovery about human reproductive hormones that scientists say could give women worldwide new hope in solving fertility problems.

The National Institutes of Health, the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research, is giving WSU scientist George Bousfield a five-year, $6.6 million grant for further research.

It is the biggest grant WSU has ever received, except for aviation research, university officials said.

What’s more, they said, most NIH grants go to big universities or research institutions with big budgets. Bousfield, they said, won this grant while working for the past 10 years in his crowded lab on the fourth floor of Hubbard Hall.

Bousfield discovered a variation in a human fertility hormone that no one knew about before. And he is sure that the hormone variation acts in a way that might unlock secrets about human reproduction, and how to enhance it.

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Infertility Study Confirms Laser Acupuncture Improves IVF Pregnancy Rates; RMACT the only fertility clinic in Connecticut to offer laser acupuncture treatments for IVF fertility treatments.

Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) May 28, 2009 — Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) announced today the results of a recently conducted survey that showed the use of laser acupuncture performed both before and after embryo transfer during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, improves a women’s chances of implantation by up to 15%. Acupuncture is the traditional Chinese method of using pin-point thin needles placed at strategic “energy points” around the body to improve functioning and promote natural healing. Growing medical evidence indicates that acupuncture may improve a woman’s chance of conceiving when performed in conjunction with IVF fertility treatments. Today, acupuncture is frequently used by women with infertility issues to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress and improve blood flow to the pelvic area and uterine lining. The study, one of the largest clinical trials ever conducted on acupuncture, had 1,000 participants who were randomly assigned to one of five study groups. The first group received traditional acupuncture, the second group received laser acupuncture, while the third or “placebo group” thought (along with the acupuncturist and physician) that they also received laser acupuncture. The fourth, relaxation group lay in a dimly light room with soft music, and the last group received no treatment at all. All treatments were administered for 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer.

“The results of this large prospective study are exciting in that they provide additional support in showing that acupuncture has a direct effect on improving fertility,” said Amy Matton, a licensed acupuncturist at RMACT. “Like traditional acupuncture, laser acupuncture uses low level light to regulate qi and help balance the body. Laser acupuncture is a viable alternative form of fertility treatment for people who may have a fear of needles.”

“This exciting, first-of-its-kind study offers another tool to help couples achieve pregnancy, with only two painless treatments” said Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director at RMACT. “Our customized patient programs, personal attention, and leading research and technology, enable RMACT to provide each of our patients with the latest and most effective fertility treatment possible.” Currently, RMACT is the only fertility center in Connecticut to offer laser acupuncture. All of RMACT’s licensed acupuncturists have been trained in the use of laser acupuncture. To make an appointment or to learn more, call (800) 865-5431, or email inquiries(at)rmact(dot)com

RMACT Fertility Clinic and Egg Donation offices specialize in the treatment of infertility. With fertility clinics in Norwalk, Danbury and Greenwich, CT, and an affiliate office in Rye, NY, our team of Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists offer a wide range of infertility treatments from basic fertility services including ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Egg Donation and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). The RMACT physician team includes, Dr. Mark P. Leondires, Dr. Spencer S. Richlin, Dr. Joshua M. Hurwitz, and Dr. Cynthia M. Murdock. All physicians are members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Fairfield County and Connecticut Medical Societies. RMACT’s IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and CLIA; other accreditations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). RMACT offers individualized treatment plans in a patient-focused and supportive environment. Fertility treatment support services, such as psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga are also available. For more information visit http://www.RMACT.com

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Two research teams with collaborators from the Warren Alpert Medical School and the Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island have received grants to study fertility and pregnancy risks.

Funded by the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council, the grants are designed to encourage collaborative research and development within the state, according to the hospital’s Feb. 23 press release.

This year, the council awarded grants to seven Rhode Island teams working in a variety of fields. Each team received approximately $200,000 in research funding.

One team - a collaboration between Associate Professor of Medical Science and Engineering Jeffrey Morgan, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sandra Carson and Assistant Professor of Engineering Anubhav Tripathi - will use a 3-D Petri dish technology previously developed by Morgan and colleagues to create an “artificial ovary” that could be used to preserve the fertility of women undergoing certain medical treatments.

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