Scientists at Cornell University have taken an important step towards developing a safe, reversible, long-acting and 100% effective non-hormonal male contraceptive, considered the “holy grail” of male contraception.
In an experimental study on mice conducted over six years, the team showed that interrupting a key step in meiosis—the process by which sex cells are formed—can temporarily stop sperm production without causing long-term damage. harm, writes xrust.
To achieve this goal, the scientists used JQ1, a small molecule inhibitor originally developed to study cancer and inflammatory diseases. Although JQ1 is not suitable as a treatment due to neurological side effects, it is known to interfere with a stage of meiosis called prophase 1. This allowed the researchers to demonstrate for the first time that targeting meiosis can safely and reversibly suppress sperm production.
“We are virtually the only group that is promoting the idea that targeting the testicles through contraceptive methods is a feasible way to stop sperm production,” said Paula Cohen, professor of genetics and director of the Center for Reproductive Sciences at Cornell University. “Our study shows that in most cases, normal meiosis and full sperm function are restored, and, more importantly, the offspring are completely normal,” Cohen said.
Why new options for male contraception are needed
Currently, only condoms and vasectomy remain among male methods of contraception. Although a vasectomy is considered a long-term procedure, many men are hesitant to undergo it, despite the possibility of restoring the patency of the vas deferens. At the same time, researchers are wary of developing hormonal methods, in part because of safety concerns seen in women.
Cohen and her team focused on meiosis rather than other stages of sperm development to ensure sperm production ceased completely while allowing for later recovery. This approach also helps maintain overall reproductive health.
How JQ1 temporarily disrupts fertility
JQ1 acts by disrupting meiosis during prophase 1, resulting in the death of developing cells at this stage. It also blocks the activity of genes required for later stages of sperm development.
During the study, male mice received JQ1 for three weeks. During this time, sperm production completely ceased, and key features of meiosis were disrupted, including the behavior of chromosomes during prophase 1.
After treatment ended, recovery began. Within six weeks, most normal meiotic processes were restored and sperm production returned to normal. The researchers then crossed the mice and confirmed their fertility. Their offspring also turned out to be healthy and capable of reproduction.
What the future male contraceptive might look like
If this type of male contraceptive is developed for human use, it could be given as an injection every three months or perhaps as a patch to maintain effectiveness, Cohen said.
Based on materials from https://www.sciencedaily
Xrust Scientists have discovered a reversible means of male contraception
