Redox cycling of quinones by human spermatozoa: a potential strategy for the dual regulation of fertility and STDs

本研究项目的目的是开发一种新型避孕方法，以满足生育调节和预防性传播疾病的双重目标。这种提议的杀精剂-杀微生物剂的一个特别新颖的特点是，它必须由精子激活，即配方包含一种前杀精子剂，它只在与精子接触时产生活性原理。该方法的这一方面使它有别于所有其他形式的局部避孕，因为不像屏障方法和阴道霜或泡沫，它的使用不会与性交有关。最终，设想该产品可以并入柔软柔韧的阴道海绵，并留在原地，直到性交后被激活。这种方法应该特别为易患性传播疾病和意外怀孕的年轻妇女所接受，因为(a)青春期女孩，特别是土著社区中性传播疾病的发病率相对较高，以及(b)澳大利亚19岁以下妇女所有怀孕记录中有50%以堕胎告终。这种方法利用了人类精子和导致性传播疾病的致病生物对氧化应激的敏感性，实际上模拟了男性不育的自然原因。如果成功，该项目将产生一种以女性为中心的避孕方法和性病预防方法，将彻底改变全世界年轻妇女的生殖保健，并产生对国家具有相当大潜在价值的知识产权。

The purpose of this research project is to develop a novel form of contraception that could meet the dual objectives of fertility regulation and prevention of sexually transmitted disease (STD). A particularly novel feature of this proposed spermicide-microbicide is that it has to be activated by spermatozoa i.e the formulation comprises a pro-spermicide that only generates the active principle on contact with sperm. This aspect of the method sets it apart from all other forms of topical contraception because unlike barrier methods and vaginal creams or foams, its use will not be coitus related. Ultimately it is envisaged that the product could be incorporated into a soft pliable vaginal sponge and left in situ until such time as it becomes activated following intercourse. Such a method should be particularly acceptable to young women who are vulnerable to both STDs and unwanted pregnancy as indicated by (a) the relatively high rates of STDs in adolescent girls, particularly in the indigenous community, and (b) the fact that 50% of all recorded pregnancies to Australian women under 19 years of age end in abortion. The method exploits the susceptibility of human spermatozoa and pathogenic organisms responsible for STDs to oxidative stress and, in effect, mimics a naturally occurring cause of male infertility. If successful, this project would produce a female centred method of contraception and STD prevention that would revolutionize reproductive health care for young women worldwide, as well as generating intellectual property of considerable potential value to the nation.