title: Iron and copper in male reproduction: a double-edged sword.
abstract: Iron and copper are essential trace nutrients playing important roles in general health and fertility. However, both elements are highly toxic when accumulating in large quantities. Their direct or indirect impact on the structure and function of male gonads and gametes is not completely understood yet. Excess or deficiency of either element may lead to defective spermatogenesis, reduced libido, and oxidative damage to the testicular tissue and spermatozoa, ultimately leading to fertility impairment. This review will detail the complex information currently available on the dual roles iron and copper play in male reproduction.
authors.affiliation: Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tvrda
authors.forename: Rohan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Peer
authors.forename: Suresh C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Sikka
authors.forename: Ashok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Agarwal
mesh_terms: D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006066:Gonads / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000378:metabolism*; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements; D003300:Copper; D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc