Healthy sperm manufacture needs
the Katnal1 gene
It may be possible to develop a new
male contraceptive pill after researchers in Edinburgh identified a gene
critical for the production of healthy sperm.
Experiments in mice found that the gene, Katnal1, was vital for the final stages of making sperm.
The authors of a study in PLos Genetics said a drug which interrupts Katnal1 could be a reversible contraceptive.
A fertility expert said there was "certainly a need" for such a drug.
Contraception in men is largely down to condoms or a vasectomy.
Infertility search
Researchers at the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh were investigating the causes of male infertility.
They randomly altered the genetic code of mice to see which became infertile. They then traced the mutations which led to infertility, which led them to Katnal1.
End Quote Dr Lee Smith University of EdinburghIf we can find a way to target this gene in the testes, we could potentially develop a non-hormonal contraceptive”
It contains the blueprints for a protein which is
important in cells which support the development of sperm. Without the protein,
sperm do not fully form and the body disposes of them.
Scientists hope they will be able to perform a similar trick in humans to stop sperm developing, without causing lasting damage.
One of the researchers Dr Lee Smith said: "If we can find a way to target this gene in the testes, we could potentially develop a non-hormonal contraceptive.
Summary:
The article is about the fact that there has been manufactered a male contraceptive drug. The drug interrupts the gene that is necessary for good and healthy sperm. The gene is called : Katnall. By infecting that gene, the sperm of the men does not function properly anymore. The only contraception for men is a condom or a vasectomy, this improves the opportunities to become contraceptive for men. (101)
Review:
It is very good that this drug has been manufactured because I believe that not only women should take contraceptive drugs. I do not know if it is already on the market but I must advise that these kinds of drugs should be tested very carefully, so they will not cause lasting damage. Most of the women take a hormonal contraceptive, this is not very good for your body so it is quite an improvement that there has been produced a non-hormonal contraceptive. ( it's a shame there is none for women..haha no just kidding!). I hope this drug will work properly and that it is a good contraceptive drug. ( 130)
Didn't know science was this far! I'm amazed by the fact that they have manufactured a contraceptive drug for men too. Personally I wouldn't use it because most woman use the anti conception pills and condoms aren’t that expensive these days. Plus the fact that it isn’t tested that much yet means there is a possibility that it goes wrong on a long term.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThis would be a amazing invention. It would mean double safety if both parties use anti conception. It would mean that it does not only depend on the woman to use it, like it does now a day. I would definitely recommend it to men to use it.
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