ABSTRACT
Mammalian sperm acquire the ability to fertilize eggs by undergoing a process known as capacitation. Capacitation is triggered as the sperm travels through the female reproductive tract. This process involves specific physiological changes such as rearrangement of the cell plasma membrane, post-translational modifications of certain proteins, and changes in the cellular permeability to ions - with the subsequent impact on the plasma membrane potential (Em). Capacitation-associated Em hyperpolarization has been well studied in mouse sperm, and shown to be both necessary and sufficient to promote the acrosome reaction (AR) and fertilize the egg. However, the relevance of the sperm Em upon capacitation on human fertility has not been thoroughly characterized. Here, we performed an extensive study of the Em change during capacitation in human sperm samples using a potentiometric dye in a fluorimetric assay. Normospermic donors showed significant Em hyperpolarization after capacitation. Em values from capacitated samples correlated significantly with the sperm ability to undergo induced AR, highlighting the role of hyperpolarization in acrosomal responsiveness, and with successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates. These results show that Em hyperpolarization could be an indicator of human sperm fertilizing capacity, setting the basis for the use of Em values as a robust predictor of the success rate of IVF.
ABSTRACT
A infertilidade humana é encontrada com frequência e múltiplos são seus aspectos,tanto da feminina, como da masculina. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi discutir sobre a homeopatia como opção de tratamento para a infertilidade humana. A infertilidade é definida como a incapacidade de conceber e produzir a criança. A ART (Tecnologia de Reprodução Assistida) está sendo utilizada amplamente, contudo, ainda não é acessível financeiramente para todos os indivíduos. Vários medicamentos homeopáticos tem descritos como um método alternativo para aumentar a fertilidade do homem e promover a gravidez na mulher, além de impedir que os abortos recorrentes ocorram. Neste contexto, a presente revisão destina-se a fornecer todas as informações necessárias sobre o método eficaz para o tratamento homeopático da infertilidade humana. (AU)
The human infertility is found frequently and are multiple aspects of both female as male Thus, the aim of this study was to discuss homeopathy as a treatment for human infertility. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive and produce the child. ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) is being used widely, however, is still not financially accessible to all individuals. Several homeopathic medicines have described as effective in increasing the fertility of man and promote pregnancy in women, and prevent recurrent miscarriages occur. In this context, this review is intended to provide all necessary information about the effective method for the homeopathic treatment of human infertility. (AU)