Biochemical entities involved in reactive oxygen species generation by human spermatozoa.
Spermatozoa were the first cell type suggested to generate reactive oxygen species. However, a lack of standardization in sperm preparation techniques and the obfuscating impact of contaminating cell types in human ejaculates have made it difficult to confirm that mammalian germ cells do, in fact, make such reactive metabolites. By identifying, on a molecular level, those entities involved in reactive oxygen species generation and demonstrating their presence in spermatozoa, the role of redox chemistry in the control of sperm function can be elucidated. Two major proteins have apparently been identified in this context, namely, NOX5, a calcium-activated NADPH oxidase, and nitric oxide synthase. Understanding the involvement of these enzymes in sperm physiology is essential if we are to understand the causes of oxidative stress in the male germ line.
Baker
Mark A
MA
Discipline of Biological Sciences and Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
Krutskikh
Anton
A
Aitken
R John
RJ
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019255:NADPH Oxidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D019255:NADPH Oxidases