Fundamental roles of reactive oxygen species and protective mechanisms in the female reproductive system.
Controlled oxidation, such as disulfide bond formation in sperm nuclei and during ovulation, plays a fundamental role in mammalian reproduction. Excess oxidation, however, causes oxidative stress, resulting in the dysfunction of the reproductive process. Antioxidation reactions that reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species are of prime importance in reproductive systems in maintaining the quality of gametes and support reproduction. While anti-oxidative enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, play a central role in eliminating oxidative stress, reduction-oxidation (redox) systems, comprised of mainly glutathione and thioredoxin, function to reduce the levels of oxidized molecules. Aldo-keto reductase, using NADPH as an electron donor, detoxifies carbonyl compounds resulting from the oxidation of lipids and proteins. Thus, many antioxidative and redox enzyme genes are expressed and aggressively protect gametes and embryos in reproductive systems.
Fujii
Junichi
J
Department of Biomolecular Function, Yamagata University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan. jfujii@med.id.yamagata-u.ac.jp
Iuchi
Yoshihito
Y
Okada
Futoshi
F
D000429:Alcohol Oxidoreductases / Q000378:metabolism; D000449:Aldehyde Reductase; D000074408:Aldo-Keto Reductases; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000502:physiology; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000187:drug effects; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D026361:Reactive Nitrogen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism; D013879:Thioredoxins / Q000378:metabolism
D000975:Antioxidants; D026361:Reactive Nitrogen Species; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013879:Thioredoxins; D000429:Alcohol Oxidoreductases; D000074408:Aldo-Keto Reductases; D000449:Aldehyde Reductase; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase