Methods and compositions for enhancing and inhibiting fertilization

A method of enhancing fertility comprising providing to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a p38 inhibitor and/or an ERK activator, thereby enhancing fertility.

Use of an ERK activator and/or a p38 inhibitor for the manufacture of a medicament for enhancing fertility.

Use of an ERK inhibitor and/or a p38 activator for the manufacture of a medicament useful as a contraceptive.

An article-of-manufacture comprising packaging material and a pharmaceutical composition identified for enhancing fertility being contained within said packaging material, said pharmaceutical composition including, as an active ingredient, an ERK activator and/or a p38 inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

An article-of-manufacture comprising packaging material and a pharmaceutical composition identified as a contraceptive being contained within said packaging material, said pharmaceutical composition including, as an active ingredient, an ERK inhibitor and/or a p38 activator and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A method of enhancing sperm motility comprising:

• (a) obtaining a sperm cell sample;
• and
• (b) contacting said sperm cell sample with an ERK activator and/or p38 inhibitor, thereby enhancing sperm motility.

A method of determining quality of a semen sample, the method comprising determining p38 activity in sperm cells of the semen sample, said p38 activity being inversely indicative of sperm cell motility, thereby determining the quality of the semen sample.

A kit for determining quality of a semen sample, the kit comprising a container including a reagent suitable for determining p38 activity in sperm cells of the semen sample.