Children with 3 “parents” DNA: the new fertilization technique avoids hereditary diseases in children

Despite the potential benefits, the procedure is complex and generates ethical and safety problems, metro expert

Eight children, children of women with hereditary genetic mutations, were born healthy in the United Kingdom thanks to a new technique of In vitro fertilization (IVF) which uses the DNA of three people. The results were published in a study published on Wednesday 16, in the magazine The New England Journal of Medicine.

In the technique, known as the pronuclear transfer (TPN), the PRNULEI structures that contain genetic material of the parents immediately after fertilization – are removed from the mother’s fertilized egg, which has mitochondria with mutations and inserted in a healthy donor egg.

Therefore, the child inherits the genetic material of his parents, defining his characteristics, such as the color of the eyes, the hair, the height, but a small part of him, the mitochondrial DNA, corresponds to the donor.

Results

In the study, 22 women crossed the technique. Of these, seven have given birth to eight children, four girls and four boys, including a couple of identical twins. A pregnancy is underway.

All mothers brought mitochondrial mutations with the potential to cause serious paintings, such as Leigh syndrome, a progressive and fatal neurological disease in childhood.

According to researchers, in addition to being healthy at birth, children showed normal progress on development. At the moment, the little ones are between zero and five months of age, while the oldest is two years old.

Mitochondrial diseases

Every year, about one in 5,000 children was born with mutation in the DNA of mitochondria which can cause serious diseases.

The mitochondria are structures within the cells responsible for the production of energy of which the body must work. They have their DNA, which contains important instructions for their operation.

When harmful mutations occur, the ability to produce energy decreases. This affects in particular organs and fabrics that need a lot of strength, such as the heart, muscles and brain.

Some diseases associated with these mutations include Leber inheritance neuropathy Polg.

The mitochondrial DNA has only gone from the mother, so these diseases are transmitted to their children. Men can also have these diseases, but do not transmit them. Currently, there is no cure for these conditions.

Reservations

“TNP is a complex procedure, with ethical and security considerations that must be carefully addressed,” says Riveia Mara Lamaita, gynecologist president of the National Commission in the assisted reproduction of the Brazilian Federation of Associations Gynecology and midwife (February).

The United Kingdom is the first location Legalizes in vitro fertilization with DNA to three people to avoid serious hereditary diseases. At the time of the authorization, in 2016, some entities opposed the law, claiming to have opened the doors to genetically modified children.

Furthermore, Rivia underlines that although the technique aimed to replace the mitochondrial DNA of the mother, there is still a small risk that is transferred to children, but below the limit to cause diseases.

“In short, it is an evolving technology with potential benefits, but also requires careful consideration of ethical and safety aspects,” he says.

Is this technique allowed in Brazil?

The transfer of Prnulei is allowed to Brazil, but with some conditions.

THE Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) It establishes standard for assisted reproduction, including the use of genetic material transfer techniques, such as mitochondrial replacement.

These techniques are authorized to prevent the transmission of serious genetic diseases, but not to choose the sex of the child, for example, except in cases of diseases related to sex chromosomes.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.