Review article

The effects of oxidative stress on the male reproductive system and mechanisms of antioxidant protection

Ivona Žura Žaja ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Anamaria Sluganović ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Marko Samardžija ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Suzana Milinković-Tur ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Tomislav Dobranić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Sara Strelec ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Dražen Đuričić ; Veterinarska stanica Đurđevac, Đurđevac, Hrvatska
Hrvoje Valpotić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Silvijo Vince ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska

Abstract

To maintain the physiological processes of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in the testes and favourable micro- environmental conditions in epididymis tissues during maturation, transport and storage of spermatozoa, it is crucial that the antioxidative enzymes act properly to control physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The state of oxidative stress, caused by disruption of the balance between oxidants (ROS, etc.) and prooxidants (antioxidants) in favour of oxidants, can result in impairment of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. The tissues of the testes and epididymis, containing spermatozoa of varying degrees of maturity, are susceptible to lipid peroxidation, i.e. to oxidative stress. Altered function of the testes may be reflected in the ability to create motile, viable and morphologically normal spermatozoa that have the ability to fertilize the egg and sustain growth and development of the embryo. High activities of antioxidative enzymes in the testes of boars are essential for appropriate protection of spermatozoa and cells of testicular tissue against oxidative damage. Further, acquisition of spermatozoa motility and fertile capability during transport through the epididymis is associated with a series of biochemical changes, particularly in the characteristics of
their cell membranes. During passage through the epididymis, the spermatozoa undergo fluctuations in the microenvironment of the lumen, which is modified due to the secretion and endocytotic activity of the epithelial mucosa cells. Ultimately, synchronized activity in the secretion of various substances and endocytosis in epithelial cells along the epididymal channels affects the final maturation of the spermatozoa, their concentration, protection, storage, and fertilizing ability. These consecutive changes are followed by changes in the features of the spermatozoa during their passage through the epididymis, and in particular changes in the membrane properties. However, the composition of proteins, lipids and other substances in various parts of the epididymis involved in the processes of spermatozoa maturation, whose functions are not yet fully clarified, are also altered. The ability of the testes and epididymis to protect spermatozoa from the detrimental effects of oxidation processes occurring during their formation, storage, and maturation in the epididymis by locally synthesized antioxidants has not yet been studied in detail.

Keywords

antioxidative protection; oxidative stress; lipid peroxidation; testes; epididymis; spermatozoa

Hrčak ID:

223357

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/223357

Publication date:

1.2.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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