Understanding Sperm Behavior for Next-Gen Contraceptives
Researchers at UNAM are delving into sperm physiology to understand fertility and develop contraceptives. With insights into sperm training and unique proteins, they aim to optimize treatments. Societal acceptance remains a challenge for male contraceptives.
Infertility is a growing concern affecting approximately 15 percent of couples, with a noticeable upward trend, according to research conducted by Claudia Treviño Santa Cruz at the UNAM Institute of Biotechnology. This phenomenon is linked to various factors, including lifestyle choices such as diet, exposure to environmental pollutants, and the pervasive impact of stress on sperm production.
In a bid to unravel the complexities surrounding infertility, Treviño Santa Cruz, a member of the Sperm Physiology Consortium, collaborates with doctors Alberto Darszon and Takuya Nishigaki. Their research, focused on understanding the intricacies of sperm function, not only aims to treat infertility but also to develop innovative contraceptive methods.
The World Health Organization's report indicating that one in six adults experiences infertility highlights the urgency in enhancing access to medical services. Treviño Santa Cruz emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to family planning, involving multiple specialists, to address cultural and social factors influencing contraceptive use.
The Consortium's work involves analyzing sperm across three models: sea urchin, mouse, and human. By studying sperm behavior in these different species, researchers gain insights into the fundamental processes of fertilization. Understanding how sperm swims, survives in the female genital tract, and ultimately fuses with the oocyte provides valuable knowledge for intervention.
One intriguing aspect explored by the Consortium is the “training” period sperm undergoes within the female reproductive tract. The pH variations and specific conditions signal to sperm when it is in the right place for fertilization. This knowledge deepens our understanding of reproductive biology and offers opportunities to replicate and study these processes in vitro.
Treviño Santa Cruz sheds light on the peculiarities of sperm training, highlighting that it varies across species. While mice require approximately 90 minutes, human sperm undergoes this process over five to six hours, with potential durations up to 24 hours. This understanding opens avenues for targeted research into optimizing fertility treatments and interventions.
The research also addresses the puzzle of why millions of sperm are produced in each ejaculation, yet only one fertilizes the oocyte. Treviño Santa Cruz sees this as an opportunity, identifying specific proteins in sperm as potential targets for contraceptive development. For instance, CatSper, a protein facilitating sperm motility, could be a key player in this pursuit.
Despite the predominance of contraceptives designed for women, Treviño Santa Cruz advocates for the development of male contraceptives. While acknowledging the success of female contraceptives, she stresses the importance of shared responsibility in family planning. Limited options for men, such as vasectomy and condoms, prompt ongoing research into a male contraceptive pill, though societal and cultural factors play a significant role in its acceptance.
In conclusion, the journey into understanding sperm physiology holds promise for addressing infertility and paves the way for groundbreaking contraceptive methods. As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries of sperm, the potential for innovative solutions that enhance family planning and reproductive health becomes increasingly tangible.
