US researchers are testing YCT-529, a hormone-free male birth control pill that could redefine family planning.

  • deegeese@sopuli.xyz
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    5 days ago

    An exciting development, but the drug affects the body’s use of Vitamin A so I think they need more studies looking for non-reproductive side effects.

    Night blindness and immune dysfunction are associated with vitamin A deficiency.

    • LaLuzDelSol@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      I’m not an expert, but looking at the research paper this is just blocking one one particular vitamin a receptor, so most functions of vitamin A would not be affected. Once concern is that this particular receptor (RAR-alpha) is partially responsible for neutrophil production, although they didn’t notice any changes in animal tests, possibly because those receptors are tucked away inside your bone marrow. Still could be a concern with long term use though…

      • deegeese@sopuli.xyz
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        5 days ago

        I suppose the longer term human studies will show if it decreases white blood cell count.

    • z3rOR0ne@lemmy.ml
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      5 days ago

      Yeah, had to go look at another article on this, but indeed it works by blocking the absorption of Vitamin A. That… doesn’t sound good.