Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/932349

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Title
New insights into sperm physiology and pathology
Author/Creator
Aitken, R. John;  Baker, Mark A.;  De Iuliis, Geoffry N.;  Nixon, Brett
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Science & Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Description
Infertility is a relatively common condition affecting approximately one in ten of the population. In half of these cases, a male factor is involved, making defective sperm function the largest single, defined cause of human infertility. Among other factors, recent data suggest that oxidative stress plays a major role in the etiology of this condition. Spermatozoa spontaneously produce a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including the superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. Produced in small amounts, ROS are functionally important in driving the tyrosine phosphorylation cascades associated with sperm capacitation. However, when ROS production exceeds the spermatozoa’s limited antioxidant defenses, a state of oxidative stress is induced characterized by peroxidative damage to the sperm plasma membrane and DNA strand breakage in the sperm nucleus. Such oxidative stress not only disrupts the fertilizing potential of human spermatozoa but also the ability of these cells to create a normal healthy embryo. As a result, DNA damage in human spermatozoa is correlated with an increased incidence of miscarriage and various kinds of morbidity in the offspring. These insights into the pathophysiology of defective sperm function have clear implications for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, particularly with respect to the potential importance of antioxidant therapy. These concepts may also be relevant to the design of novel approaches to male contraception that attempt to replicate the pathological situation.
Relation
Fertility Control p. 99-115
Relation
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 198
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02062-9_7
Date
2010
Publisher
Springer
Keyword(s)
chromatin protamination;  oxidative stress;  reactive oxygen species DNA damage;  spermatozoa
Resource Type
book chapter
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/932349
Identifier
ISBN:9783642020612
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Subject
"New insights into sperm physiology and pathology"
 
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