Embryo's screening can detect deadly disease FH
London, Dec 15 (UNI) A rare disease, which raises the cholesterol level and increases the chances of getting heart attacks, can now be detected through gene test carried out in the screening of human embryos.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the disease leads to deaths among children under the age of puberty.
Talking about the consequences of this harmful disease, Paul Serhal of London's University College Hospital, said, ''This obnoxious disease can cause cardiovascular accidents at a very early age.'' Looking at the seriousness of the problem, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is contemplating to grant licence for carrying out such tests.
However, a spokesman said that the authority would only permit screening for the more serious form of FH (homozygous), the Guardian reported.
Such tests may lead to controversy over the rights of parents to create ''designer babies''.
UNI