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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A genetic mutation may be responsible for some cases of premature ovarian failure, report United States and Chinese researchers.
Their study of 100 Chinese women with the condition implicated mutations in a gene called FIGLA, which helps to control the differentiation of egg cells in early development. Other genetic mutations were found to cause the problem as well, including those involving the genes known as NOBOX, GDF9, and BMP 15.
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Premature ovarian failure occurs in about one percent of women and can lead not only to fertility problems, but also an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and even death. The condition is diagnosed when the ovaries run out of eggs and stop producing estrogen before a woman turns 40.
The investigators believe a blood test might one day be developed to help identify which women are at highest risk for the FIGLA mutation and others that may be linked to premature ovarian failure. If women knew their risk, they could use the information to better plan their families.
We hope to define [the] majority of the genes that are part of the cellular pathways involved in ovarian failure, study author Dr. Aleksandar Rajkovic, from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Tex., was quoted as saying. Ideally, in the future we will offer a test to women to look at all the genes involved in premature ovarian failure.
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SOURCE: American Journal of Human Genetics, published online May 22, 2008
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
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