Scientists at Northwestern University (USA) discovered the ability of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), commonly used to treat depressive and anxiety disorders, to improve the quality of eggs of aging female roundworms and fruit flies. Study published magazine developmental biology.
These results could open new avenues for exploring new ways to combat infertility issues in humans by improving egg quality and delaying the onset of reproductive aging, the researchers said.
“In our past work, we were able to identify neurons that divert the flow of resources from the general state of the body to improving reproductive health. These nerves rely on serotonin to mediate the body’s reorientation. We wanted to find a way to influence them and decided to turn to antidepressants,” explain the authors.
Researchers exposed aging roundworms to an SSRI added to their food. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors reduced embryonic death by more than half, reduced chromosomal abnormalities in surviving offspring, and made eggs younger and healthier.
Amazed by the results, the researchers repeated the experiment in fruit flies, and the SSRIs showed the same effect.