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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
05:55
Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization
Published on: June 17, 2025
[Carnitines and male reproduction]
Xue-Jun Shang1, Xiu-Lai Wang, Yu-Feng Huang
1Department of Andrology, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China. shangxj@androl.cn
Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue = National Journal of Andrology
|September 15, 2006
Summary
Carnitines are vital nutrients for male fertility, supporting sperm motility and maturation. This review details carnitine
Area of Science:
- Male reproductive physiology
- Nutritional science
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Carnitines are highly concentrated in the epididymis and sperm.
- They are conditionally essential nutrients with broad physiological roles.
Purpose:
- To review the multifaceted functions of carnitine in male reproduction.
- To highlight carnitine's importance in sperm health and function.
Summary:
- Carnitines are crucial for initiating sperm motility and enhancing sperm fertilizing capacity.
- They regulate Sertoli cell function, protect sperm from oxidative stress, and reduce cell apoptosis.
- Carnitines also play a role in inhibiting sperm aggregation.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of carnitine's significance in male reproductive health.
- Highlights potential therapeutic targets for male infertility.
- Informs research on nutritional interventions for reproductive wellness.
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