Protein That Protects Sperm, Reduces Miscarriage Rates Identified
Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 20:14
in Health & Medicine
Researchers have identified a protein that helps protect immature mouse sperm from oxidative stress. When male mice over one year old lacking this protein were mated with normal female mice, an increased incidence of miscarriages and fetal developmental defects were observed. These data have clinical relevance, as age-related DNA damage to human sperm is associated with decreased fertility and increased rates of miscarriage and childhood disease.