Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shenzhen Second People's Hospital announced a potential medical breakthrough for men dealing with infertility stemming from poor sperm motility and genital tract infection. 

The study focused on a specific protein, human beta-defensin 1, or DEFB1. Doctors associated with the research theorize that a boost in DEFB1 levels can help increase the chances of a man siring a child. 

Like Us on Facebook

"DEFB1 is found in many parts of the body, but its role in regulating male fertility has not been investigated," senior author Chen Xiaozhang, professor of theChinese University of Hong Kong, told China's Xinhua News Agency. "Our previous studies have found a type of defensin in rats can affect sperm motility, so we want to explore how human defensins work."

Motility is the ability to move spontaneously and actively. Low motility rates among sperm cells, a condition known as asthenozoospermia, is a common cause of infertility in men and accounts for about 18 percent of male infertility cases. 

Low DEFB1 rates is also a suspected factor for leukocytospermia, which is related to seminal tract infection and another causal agent of infertility. The researchers found that DEFB1 can create a barrier against viruses, bacteria, and fungi around sperm as they travel through the male reproductive tract. Such pathogens are common and usually do not factor into a man's reproductive health unless he is experiencing a compromising physiochemical imbalance, such as low rates of DEFB1.

Leukocytospermia accounts for about 11 percent of male infertility.

The study found the amount of DEFB1 in sperm from infertile men with either leukocytospermia or asthenozoospermia to be much lower compared to that of healthy men.

While practical application of DEFB1 was restricted to rats in the lab, the results show promise. Sperm treated with DEFB1 showed improved motility, strengethened antimicrobial protection, and increased egg-penetrating capacity.

"Our study suggests a feasible therapeutic approach for male infertility," Chen said. "But further investigation is still needed to determine its safety in humans."

TagsInfertility