Abstract
Human spermatozoa produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide. Physiological amounts of these ROS are essential for the genesis and proper maturation of human spermatozoa. This chapter will discuss the physiological roles and mechanism of action of ROS in regulating human sperm maturation and function. ROS act as signaling molecules that trigger biochemical cascades via the redox regulation of thiols, which activates the adenylyl cyclase–cAMP–protein kinase A pathway to increase tyrosine phosphorylation. Low amounts of ROS stabilize the nuclear chromatin and mitochondrial capsule. Superoxide anion plays a major role in regulating sperm hyperactivation. Hydrogen peroxide is the main ROS involved in initiating capacitation and regulating acrosome reaction. Both superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide induce higher rates of sperm-oocyte fusion. Nitric oxide participates in the regulation of capacitation and acrosome reaction. However, the detailed mechanism of ROS actions on human sperm function in vivo is still unknown.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Oxidants, Antioxidants, and Impact of the Oxidative Status in Male Reproduction
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
