Join, Joel, Linka & Govind as they explore the causes of age-related female infertility, and where in this process interventions can occur. After the age of 35, female fertility starts to decline rapidly. The team discuss possible nutritional and pharmacological approaches to slow fertility decline before ending on a discussion about fertility intervention strategies (such as IVF).

References:

[1] Karayiannis, D., Kontogianni, M.D., Mendorou, C., Mastrominas, M., and Yiannakouris, N. (2018). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and IVF success rate among non-obese women attempting fertility. Human Reproduction, 33(3), 494-502

[2] Baroutis, D., Kalampokas, T., Katsianou, E., Psarris, A., Daskalakis, G., Panoulis, K. et al. (2024). The Role of the Mediterranean Diet in Assisted Reproduction: A Literature Review. Nutrients, 16(16), 2807.

[3] Ruder, E.H., Hartman, T.J., Blumberg, J., and Goldman, M.B. (2008). Oxidative stress and antioxidants: exposure and impact on female fertility. Human Reproduction Update, 14(4), 345-357.

[4] Kabodmehri, R., Javaheri, F.S.H, Alami, F., Mahmoudi, Z., Amjadi, A., Saeedirad, Z. et al. (2023). Female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI): a case-control study. BMC Women’s Health, 608.

[5] Luddi, A., Capaldo, A., Focarelli, R., Gori, M., Morgante, G., Piomboni, P. et al. (2016). Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in follicular fluid of aged women undergoing IVF. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 14.

References For Part 2: Pharmacological Interventions:

[6] Liu, M., Yin, Y., Ye, X., Zeng, M., Zhao, Q., Keefe, D.L., et al. (2013). Resveratrol protects against age-associated infertility in mice. Human Reproduction, 28(3), 707–17.

[7] Sasaki, H., Hamatani, T., Kamijo, S., Iwai, M., Kobanawa, M., Ogawa, S. et al. (2019). Impact of Oxidative Stress on Age-Associated Decline in Oocyte Developmental Competence. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 22;10, 811.

[8] Wang, L., Tang, J., Wang, L., Tan, F., Song, H., Zhou, J., et al. (2021). Oxidative stress in oocyte aging and female reproduction. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 236(12), 7966–83.

[9] Dou, X., Sun, Y., Li, J., Zhang, J., Hao, D., Liu, W., et al. (2017). Short‐term rapamycin treatment increases ovarian lifespan in young and middle‐aged female mice. Aging Cell. 16(4), 825–36.

[10] Guo, Z., Yu, Q. (2019). Role of mTOR Signaling in female reproduction. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Oct 9, 10:692.

[11] Goldman, K.N,., Chenette, D., Arju, R., Duncan, F.E., Keefe, D.L., Grifo, J.A. et al. (2017). mTORC1/2 inhibition preserves ovarian function and fertility during genotoxic chemotherapy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 21;114(12), 3186–91.

[12] Fan, J., Chen, C., Zhong, Y. (2024). A cohort study on IVF outcomes in infertile endometriosis patients: the effects of rapamycin treatment. Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 48(1), 103319.

[13] Hill (2019). ‘Dream come true’: study suggests drug could extend women’s fertility by five years. News Article, Published 22/7/2024.

[14] Effect of Rapamycin in Ovarian Aging (Rapamycin). Clinical Trial, Accessed 24/04/2024. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05836025

References For Part 3: Fertility Treatment (ART) Interventions:

[15] Mesen, T.B., Mersereau, J.E., Kane, J.B., Steiner, A.Z. (2015). Optimal timing for elective egg freezing. Fertility and Sterility. 103(6):1551-1556.e64.

[16] Armstrong, S., Akande, V. (2013). What is the best treatment option for infertile women aged 40 and over?. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 30(5):667-671.

[17] Chronopoulou, E., Raperport, C., Sfakianakis, A., Srivastava, G., Homburg, R. (2021). Elective oocyte cryopreservation for age-related fertility decline. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 38(5):1177-1186.

[18] Illume Fertility. Understanding Fertility Treatment Costs. Accessed on 06/05/2025.

[19] Smajdor A. (2011). The ethics of IVF over 40. Maturitas. 69(1):37-40.