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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
[Could apoptotic markers help the exploration of male infertility?]
D Haouzi1, M Fourar, F Pellestor
1Institut de recherche en biothérapie, hôpital Saint-Eloi, CHU de Montpellier, 80 avenue Augustin-Fliche, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
Abstract:
Apoptosis is a cell death program involved in different steps of spermatogenesis, first at puberty, at the beginning of spermatogenesis, then in adult testicles by controlling normal spermatogenesis. As a result, apoptosis deregulation can affect spermatogenesis. Many studies have provided evidence that apoptosis deregulation in germinal cells resulted in male infertility. In addition, apoptosis detection in ejaculated spermatozoa arouses a growing interest in research as a reliable marker of spermatozoon quality. The aim of this review is to summarize our knowledge on physiological apoptosis during spermatogenesis, and then analyse the possibility of using apoptotic markers as selective markers of spermatozoon quality to optimize the rate of success of in vitro fertilization.
Insights
Apoptosis, a programmed cell death, is crucial for normal spermatogenesis. Deregulation of apoptosis in germ cells can lead to male infertility and may serve as a marker for sperm quality.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Apoptosis plays a vital role throughout spermatogenesis, from puberty to adult testicular function.
- Deregulation of apoptosis in germ cells is linked to male infertility.
- Apoptosis detection in spermatozoa is gaining traction as a marker for sperm quality.
Purpose:
- To review the physiological role of apoptosis in spermatogenesis.
- To explore the potential of apoptotic markers for assessing spermatozoon quality.
- To optimize in vitro fertilization success rates using apoptotic markers.
Summary:
- This review consolidates current knowledge on physiological apoptosis during spermatogenesis.
- It examines how apoptosis deregulation impacts male fertility.
- The potential utility of apoptotic markers in evaluating sperm quality for assisted reproductive technologies is analyzed.
Impact:
- Understanding apoptosis in spermatogenesis can elucidate causes of male infertility.
- Apoptotic markers may offer a novel method for sperm selection in fertility treatments.
- This research could improve the efficiency and success rates of in vitro fertilization.
