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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

High-Resolution Respirometry to Assess Mitochondrial Function in Human Spermatozoa

High-Resolution Respirometry to Assess Mitochondrial Function in Human Spermatozoa

Published on: June 23, 2023

Cigarette smoking impairs sperm bioenergetics.

Kazim R Chohan¹, Shawky Z A Badawy

¹Department of Pathology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. chohank@upstate.edu

International Braz J Urol : Official Journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology

|March 6, 2010

Summary

Cigarette smoking significantly reduces sperm respiration rates, impacting male fertility. This study found lower oxygen consumption in smokers

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Environmental Health
Sperm Metabolism

Background:

Cigarette smoking is widely recognized for its detrimental effects on reproductive health.
A growing body of evidence suggests a negative impact of smoking on male fertility.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate and compare the rate of sperm respiration between male smokers and non-smokers.
To elucidate the effect of smoking on sperm aerobic metabolism.

Main Methods:

Semen samples were collected from 20 smokers (≥ half a pack/day) and 58 non-smokers.
Sperm respiration rate (oxygen consumption) was measured using a phosphorescence analyzer.
Sperm mitochondrial oxygen consumption kinetics were analyzed, confirming zero-order reactions and mitochondrial involvement.

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Main Results:

No significant differences were observed between smokers and non-smokers in ejaculate volume, sperm motility, concentration, morphology, viability, or hypo-osmotic swelling test results.
The rate of sperm mitochondrial oxygen consumption was significantly lower in smokers (0.96 ± 0.58 µM O(2)/min/10(8) sperm) compared to non-smokers (1.39 ± 0.67 µM O(2)/min/10(8) sperm) (p = 0.004).

Conclusions:

Sperm respiration rate is significantly diminished in cigarette smokers.
This reduction in sperm aerobic metabolism due to smoking may contribute to the observed lower fertility rates in smokers.