La-1-like Peptide Sperm Motility Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for improving sperm motility, especially in frozen sperm samples, are limited by the use of non-toxic agents that either fail to enhance motility effectively or cause premature acrosome reaction, leading to reduced fertility success rates in assisted reproduction techniques and animal artificial insemination.
Innovation Solution
A La-1-like peptide compound isolated from the scorpion Maurus palmatus venom, which increases sperm motility by activating velocity and converting non-motile sperm into motile ones, is used to treat male infertility and enhance fertility in both human and animal reproduction methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If non-toxic agents like pentoxifylline are used to increase sperm motility, then sperm acceleration is improved, but premature acrosome reaction occurs leading to reduced fertilization capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses papaverine, a different chemical compound with distinct pharmacological properties compared to pentoxifylline, to achieve sperm motility enhancement without triggering premature acrosome reaction. This represents a parameter change in the chemical agent used, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving motility and maintaining fertilization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a short incubation period with papaverine followed by removal of the agent before fertilization. This temporary, disposable use of the motility-enhancing agent allows achievement of the desired motility effect without persistent presence that could cause harmful side effects like premature acrosome reaction
2Duration of action of stationary object
If sperm samples are frozen for storage, then long-term preservation is achieved, but sperm motility is reduced compared to fresh samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies papaverine treatment to frozen-thawed sperm samples before fertilization procedures. This preliminary action of motility enhancement compensates for the motility loss incurred during freezing and thawing, thereby resolving the contradiction between long-term storage capability and post-thaw motility
Solution Approach 2:
Papaverine acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the damaged state of frozen-thawed sperm and the required functional state for fertilization. The agent temporarily boosts motility without causing permanent changes or premature acrosome reaction, enabling successful fertilization despite prior freezing
3Quantity of substance
If sperm concentration in straws is increased to compensate for reduced motility, then fertilization chances are maintained, but overall success rate of artificial insemination decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing sperm concentration, the patent changes the pharmacological parameter by using papaverine to enhance the motility of existing sperm. This approach maintains optimal sperm concentration while improving the functional quality of individual sperm, thereby avoiding the reduced success rates associated with high-concentration insemination
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a La-1-like peptide agent that increases sperm motility. It is non-toxic and it may be used to treat male infertility in humans, and also to increase fertility in animals. It may be used in artificial reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), including intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The La-1-like peptide agent may also be used in artificial insemination techniques such as intra-cytoplasmic uterine injection (IUI).