COVID-19 and fertility preservation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Long-term effects of COVID-19 on ovarian tissue and reproductive potential of immature eggs
IRAS ID
261946
Contact name
Dusko ILIC
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The overall goal of our research is to improve fertility preservation and maximise reproductive potential of the women. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on female reproductive organs and fertility is unknown. Our Aim is to determine whether COVID-19 infection in past would affect reproductive capacity of immature eggs.
To do this we will use in vitro growth (IVG) and in vitro maturation (IVM), two emerging technologies that help human eggs to become mature (suitable to be fertilised by sperm) outside woman body. Eggs that are not fully developed yet will be isolated from ovarian tissue donated for research by women that, based on a brief survey questionnaire, were tested positive for COVID-19 and those that were not. Eggs will be then cultured in the lab in special media that support their maturation and outcome will be compared between two groups. We will then conduct laboratory studies using the eggs to investigate the cells’ biology, structure (histology), DNA and proteins (genome, epigenome and transcriptome).
We have already stored samples from several donors. They are taken as a part of our fertility preservation service. However, due to presence of malignant cells in the ovarian tissue, these samples cannot be transplanted back to the patient.
Once this study is approved, we will approach them with consent for this project. All other samples will be new, and the patients will be approached with consent before elective surgery.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0124
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion