The side effects of the contraceptive pill and other female hormonal methods have been the strongest arguments in the search for a long-lasting solution from the perspective of men. Now, a team of scientists from the Universities of Osaka and Tsukuba (Japan) seem to have found a way to do it through the protein calcineurin .
Controlling birth by men using a specific protein in sperm could finally lead to the creation of the first effective reversible male contraceptive . This protein is nothing but calcineurin, an enzyme present in many forms that plays a crucial role in male fertility.
The scientists conducted an experiment with mice, carefully studying the subunits of calcineurin – in the PPP3CC and PPP3R2 genes. Thus, by eliminating the PPP3CC gene from the mice, the mutation in this protein caused the mice to be able to have sexual intercourse but not to fertilize the female – not even through in vitro fertilization. In addition, using calcineurin inhibitor drugs, they found that it took only 4-5 days for the sperm to become infertile and then, after the drug was withdrawn, the mice regained fertility a week later (without any loss of blood). motility or maturation of sperm).
“If calcineurin in sperm can be specifically inhibited, this would lead to the development of the much sought after male oral contraceptives . As this calcineurin complex in sperm is also found in humans, its inhibition can be used as a strategy for the development of reversible male contraceptives ”, the experts clarify.
The study has been published in the journal Science .
