ReproSource Responds to Promising Research Around a Key Protein for Male Fertility

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 15, 2012

Though it is infrequently discussed, male infertility is a problem that afflicts many men--and many couples, seeking to conceive--around the country. The potential causes of male infertility are many, but, according to a new medical study, the determining factor could be something as minor as a single missing protein. This new study offers insight into the way doctors treat male infertility--and it has won the attention of ReproSource.

The new study indicates that male infertility is sometimes the result of sperm missing a single, essential protein. This lone protein is necessary for the sperm to activate the egg, upon the fusing of the sperm and the egg. The study also finds that injecting the egg itself with that missing protein may effectively "kick-start" embryonic development. Ultimately, this could significantly improve the odds of successful conception and pregnancy.

The new study was conducted by researchers in the UK, and published in the journal Fertility and Sterility. According to these researchers, the results of the study show that this missing protein, PLCz, may be able to be used effectively as a treatment for some forms of male infertility. This finding has drawn the attention of ReproSource, a leading fertility research facility. ReproSource has issued a press statement, praising the study and affirming its importance in the ongoing battle against infertility.

Charles Jenkins, Vice President of ReproSource Fertility Diagnostics says, "As a provider of male infertility diagnostics services, we are very excited to see this kind of research. The ability to identify the absence or presence of critical proteins like PLCz provides promise for being able to more effectively triage the needs of couples during their initial infertility evaluations."

Ultimately, Jenkins says this could prove very useful for the treatment of infertility. "Early identification of such a deficiency allows fertility specialists and patients to make more informed decisions about treatment pathways," says the ReproSource representative.

The researchers behind the study, meanwhile, say that their research reveals PLCz to be "absolutely critical" to the beginning of life. They go on to note that many men are infertile because their sperm fail to activate eggs; as such, sperm might successfully fuse with the eggs, but nothing happens. The reason behind this malfunctioning sperm may be the simple absence of this one crucial protein--but the clinical addition of this protein can rectify the problem. The study notes that this new research might prove especially pertinent for IVF treatments.

ReproSource is a clinical research facility and laboratory, primarily seeking solutions for clinicians and patients grappling with infertility. ReproSource provides ongoing research into possible tests and treatments for male and female infertility alike. ReproSource was founded in 2008, and its research team includes some of the most renowned names in the area of fertility medicine.

ABOUT:

ReproSource is a clinical laboratory and research organization that exists to provide clinicians and patients alike with the best solutions for fertility testing and education. The organization was founded in 2008 by internationally renowned experts in the areas of diagnostic research, clinical laboratory medicine, and the practice of fertility medicine.