In the UK, at least eight children were born using DNA from three people due to pioneering fertility technique to stop the transmission of inherited genetic diseases. The method known as the treatment of mitochondrial donation (MDT) includes the use of healthy mitochondria from the donor to replace the defective in the egg – presenting serious and often fatal conditions associated with mitochondrial defects.
These children carry nuclear DNA from their biological mother and father and a small part of the mitochondrial DNA from the donor. Early medical monitoring does not show any signs of disorders that treatment aim to prevent and offer hope to families with the history of such diseases.
How the three parents’ technique works
Mitochondria are small structures in cells that produce energy. When they do not work properly, they can lead to serious conditions affecting the brain, muscles, hearts and other organs. MDT works by removing defective mitochondria in women’s egg and replacing them with a healthy donor. The parent nuclear DNA, which forms most of the human genes, is maintained intact.
As a result, the child inherits DNA from three people: mother, father and donor woman. However, the donor’s contribution is less than 1% of the child’s overall genetic material.
A legal and ethical background
The United Kingdom became the first country to approve the use of mitochondrial donations in 2015. The treatment regulates the human insemination and the embryological office (HFEA) and the Newcastle fertility center has led according to strict instructions.
Although some have raised ethical concerns about the idea of “three parents” and the limits of genetic intervention, many experts claim that the benefits of preventing devastating diseases outweigh these concerns.
Early results give hope
So far, children born through MDT in the UK are healthy and show no signs of mitochondrial disease. Doctors say the first results are “highly promising”, even if long -term monitoring is needed. Families involved in the program have described treatment as “saving life” and expressed deep gratitude.
Experts emphasize that MDT is not a treatment for people who already affect mitochondrial conditions, but rather a way to prevent these diseases in future generations.
Global interest and future use
While the United Kingdom leads to permission and supervision of this treatment, other countries remain cautious. In the US, such procedures are permitted only as part of clinical evaluation.
Scientists from around the world carefully follow the results of the United Kingdom. Many believe that with careful regulation, MDT could become a routine option for endangered families and help stop certain genetic diseases before they begin.
(Tagstotranslate) three -color children
