Post Date April, 15 2023
In the study of human reproduction, it has been found for the first time that there is a chloride ion channel (CFTR) in human sperm cells that replenishes energy for sperm. Once the channel is damaged and blocked, sperm cannot obtain sufficient capacity, which in turn affects fertilization and male fertility. This has led to the occurrence of male infertility.
The researchers said that fertilization includes a series of strictly orderly, interactive and coordinated fine processes, involving a series of steps such as Capacitation, sperm egg recognition, sperm egg activation, acrosome reaction and fusion. The process of Capacitation is mainly induced by bicarbonate. The chloride channel (CFTR) is responsible for the transport of bicarbonate into sperm, thus affecting Capacitation, fertilization and male fertility.
CFTR is an anion channel, and its genetic mutation can lead to cystic fibrosis, leading to CFTR blockage, preventing the transport of bicarbonate into sperm, and preventing sperm from obtaining sufficient energy to complete the fertilization process, thus causing male infertility. More than 95% of male patients with cystic fibrosis have lost their fertility. Currently, there are over 2000 known gene mutations related to CFTR.
Researchers explain that this discovery not only provides scientific basis for human understanding of the fertilization process, but also provides new insights into many unexplained male infertility, bringing good news for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. And this study also provides new ideas for the development of male contraceptive drugs. If one day a successful study of CFTR inhibitors blocks chloride ion channels, a new male contraceptive method can be achieved.
(Intern Editor: Cai Junyi)
