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

该研究项目的目的是开发一种新的避孕方法，可以满足生育调节和预防性传播疾病（STD）的双重目标。所提出的这种杀精子剂-杀微生物剂的特别新颖的特征是它必须被精子激活，即该制剂包含仅在与精子接触时产生活性成分的前杀精子剂。该方法的这一方面将其与所有其他形式的局部避孕分开，因为与屏障方法和阴道乳膏或泡沫不同，其使用与性交无关。最后，设想该产品可以掺入柔软柔韧的阴道海绵中，并留在原位，直到它在性交后被激活。这种方法对于容易感染性传播疾病和意外怀孕的年轻妇女来说尤其可以接受，这可以从以下事实中看出：（a）青春期少女，特别是土著社区的青春期少女感染性传播疾病的比率相对较高，以及（B）澳大利亚19岁以下妇女记录的所有怀孕中有50%以堕胎告终。该方法利用了人类精子和性病病原体对氧化应激的敏感性，实际上模拟了男性不育的自然发生原因。如果成功，该项目将产生一种以女性为中心的避孕和预防性传播疾病的方法，这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.