Protection of female reproductive system from natural and artifical insults

Abstract

Described are methods for protecting the female reproductive system against natural and artificial insults by administering to women a composition comprising an agent that antagonizes one or more acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) gene products. Specifically, methods disclosed herein serve to protect women's germline from damage resulting from cancer therapy regimens including chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In one aspect, the method preserves, enhances, or revives ovarian function in women, by administering to women a composition containing sphingosine-1-phosphate, or an analog thereof. Also disclosed are methods to prevent or ameliorate menopausal syndromes and to improve in vitro fertilization techniques.

1 - 36 . (canceled)  
   
   
       37 . A method for in vitro fertilization of a mammal comprising. 
 (a) obtaining at least one oocyte from a mammal;    (b) incubating said oocyte in a medium containing a composition comprising sphingosine-1-phosphate, or an analog thereof, in an amount sufficient to maintain viability of said oocyte in culture;    (c) fertilizing in vitro said oocyte with sperm to produce at least one fertilized oocyte;    (d) culturing said fertilized oocyte to produce an embryo; and    (e) transferring at least one embryo to the uterus of a mammal, wherein said at least one embryo develops to term in said mammal.    
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein said at least one oocyte is immature when obtained from said mammal and becomes mature in step (b).  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein said mammal is human.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein said immature oocyte is cultured for about five to about seven days at step (b).  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein prior to said step (b) said at least one oocyte is cryopreserved in a cryopreservation medium containing said composition.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein said composition is additionally present in steps (c) and (d).  
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein said composition is added continuously or periodically to said culture media.  
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the mammal of step (a) is the same or different from the mammal of step (de).  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein said mammal is a woman.