Osteocalcin as a treatment for male reproductive disorders

Abstract

Methods and compositions for treating, preventing, or diagnosing disorders related to reproduction in male mammals, preferably humans, are provided. The methods generally involve modulation of the OST-PTP signaling pathway or the PTP-1B signaling pathway involving gamma-carboxylase and osteocalcin. Disorders amenable to treatment by the methods include, but are not limited to, male infertility, low sperm count, impaired sperm motility, impaired sperm viability, low testosterone levels, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, underdevelopment of testes, and excess apoptosis in testes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treatment for increasing low sperm count, increasing low testosterone, or decreasing excessive apoptosis in testes in male mammals comprising administering to a male mammal in need of such treatment a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of undercarboxylated/uncarboxylated osteocalcin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.