Coenzyme Q10 in Male Infertility

Abstract

Currently the male factor is frequently encountered in the infertility problem. Basically, the factors that cause sperm dysfunction and male infertility are environmental, physiological and genetic. Excessive amount of reactive oxygen species and other oxidant radicals have been associated with male infertility. In addition, although semen analysis parameters appear normal in idiopathic male infertility, it is suggested that the possible cause of infertility is oxidative stress. Antioxidants in foods that are protective against oxidative stress increase the success of assisted reproductive techniques by protecting spermatozoa from free oxygen radicals, preventing DNA breaks caused by free oxygen radicals, and supporting the sperm maturation process. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is found in every cell and has the ability to dissolve in oil, is a vitamin-like compound that acts as a coenzyme in key enzymatic reactions in energy production in the cell. Endogenous CoQ10, is significantly associated with sperm count and motility and is shown as one of the most important antioxidants in seminal plasma. Exogenous CoQ10 administration can be explained by its positive effects on sperm motility, its effectiveness in mitochondria and its antioxidant effects. In this review, articles investigating the effect of oxidative stress on infertility and the role of CoQ10, a natural antioxidant vitamin in the treatment of infertility, were presented. As a result, the positive effects of using CoQ10 as a supportive treatment in male infertility have been shown in studies. However, more comprehensive, long-term and pregnancy-related studies are needed.