The leaked medical report of controversial Olympic gold medalist Imane Khalife has brought an old issue to the fore again. The 25-year-old Algerian boxer is now under heavy scrutiny after a medical report was leaked that questioned her eligibility for the women’s competition.

A report obtained by a French journalist indicated that Khalifa has undescended testicles and an XY chromosome structure – indicating a genetic condition known as 5-alpha reductase deficiency. According to experts, this rare genetic disorder affects sexual development, often resulting in ambiguous genitalia and limited secondary male characteristics.

What is 5-alpha reductase deficiency?

Studies show that people who have the condition are born genetically male but have trouble producing a key hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT — which is needed for the development of male sexual characteristics, especially For the development of features visible outside the body.

Individuals with this condition are genetically male, having one X and one Y chromosome, as well as male reproductive organs called testes.

Khalife’s report, reportedly prepared collaboratively in June 2023 by medical professionals from the Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital in Paris and the Mohammed Lamine Debaghin Hospital in Algiers, includes the boxer’s anatomy, described as the absence of a uterus and a micropenis. Includes presence of.

It also recommended surgical correction and hormone therapy, aimed at aligning Khalif’s physical traits with her self-perceived gender identity.

What causes 5-alpha reductase deficiency?,

According to studies, several genetic mutations, particularly SRD5A2, cause deficiency of 5-alpha reductase – an enzyme involved in the processing of androgens – hormones that direct male sexual development. in variants SRD5A2 The gene prevents steroid 5-alpha reductase 2 from effectively converting testosterone into DHT in developing reproductive tissues. These hormonal factors cause the changes in sexual development seen in infants with 5-alpha reductase deficiency.

During puberty, the testicles produce more testosterone. Experts say that people with 5-alpha reductase deficiency develop secondary male sexual characteristics in response to high levels of this hormone. Some affected people also retain small amounts of 5-alpha reductase 2 activity, which can produce DHT and contribute to the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

Doctors say that since 5-alpha reductase deficiency is a rare condition; The exact incident is unknown. Large families with affected members have been found in several countries, including the Dominican Republic, Papua New Guinea, Türkiye, and Egypt.

Can this condition be inherited?

According to the research, even those who are genetically female – with two SRD5A2 genes, their sexual development is not affected. DHT is not required for the development of female sexual characteristics, so lack of steroid 5-alpha reductase 2 activity does not cause physical changes in these individuals.

Only those that have differences in both copies SRD5A2 Genes and genetically male will have symptoms of 5-alpha reductase deficiency.

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