Omega-3 Fatty Acid DHA Shown to Relax Reproductive Tract Muscle

Key Findings

• Targeting muscle contraction: The team studied how DHA affects the vas deferens, a muscle that propels sperm during ejaculation. Normally, the hormone noradrenaline causes this muscle to contract strongly.
• Blocking calcium entry: DHA was found to significantly reduce these contractions by inhibiting TRPC3/6 channels, which allow calcium ions to enter muscle cells and trigger tightening.
• Tissue-specific effect: Interestingly, DHA did not reduce contractions in the prostate, suggesting that its action is selective to tissues where TRPC3/6 channels are abundant.
• Possible health implications: By lowering the pressure inside the vas deferens, DHA might ease sperm passage in men with ejaculatory duct obstruction, a known cause of infertility.

Broader Significance

DHA has long been associated with brain health, anti-inflammatory effects, and cardiovascular protection. This study provides new evidence that DHA’s benefits extend to reproductive health, by acting directly on the molecular machinery that controls smooth muscle contraction.

“Our results suggest TRPC3/6 channels as new molecular targets of DHA,” said Dr. Keisuke Obara, lead author and Associate Professor at Toho University. “This not only gives us a clearer understanding of how omega-3 fatty acids work in the body, but also highlights their potential for improving male reproductive health.”

Next Steps

The researchers note that further studies are needed to confirm these findings in clinical settings. Still, the concentrations of DHA used in their experiments are comparable to levels achieved through dietary supplementation, suggesting real-world relevance.