Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
06:31
Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry
Published on: December 31, 2015
Plasma and semen ascorbic levels in spermatogenesis
M O Ebesunun1, B A Solademi, O B Shittu
1Departments of Chemical Pathology and Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
West African Journal of Medicine
|February 26, 2005
Summary
Low ascorbic acid levels in Nigerian men with infertility correlate with reduced sperm quality. This study investigated the relationship between seminal ascorbate and male fertility markers.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Andrology
Background:
- Conflicting data exists on ascorbic acid's role in male reproduction.
- Ascorbic acid status in Nigerian men with infertility is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ascorbic acid levels in Nigerian males with weak fertility.
- To determine the relationship between seminal ascorbate and sperm characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Assessed plasma and seminal ascorbic acid levels in 27 infertile Nigerian males and 14 controls.
- Measured sperm count, motility, vitality, and morphology.
- Determined plasma lipid profiles and anthropometric indices.
Main Results:
- Inadequate spermatogenesis was associated with significantly decreased sperm count, motility, and vitality (p<0.001).
- Seminal and plasma ascorbic acid concentrations were significantly lower in infertile males (p<0.001).
- Elevated plasma triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, with decreased HDL cholesterol, were observed in infertile men.
Conclusions:
- Reduced seminal ascorbic acid levels may significantly contribute to impaired sperm characteristics in infertile Nigerian males.
- Lipid profiles showed alterations but lacked a clear correlation with sperm parameters.
Related Concept Videos
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
01:22Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
01:15Sperm Transport
The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
01:22Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...