Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
10:24
Evaluation of Intracellular Location of Reactive Oxygen Species in Solea Senegalensis Spermatozoa
Published on: March 11, 2018
Oxidative stress negatively affects human sperm mitochondrial respiration
Alessandra Ferramosca1, Sara Pinto Provenzano, Daniela Domenica Montagna
1Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy.
Urology
|June 29, 2013
Summary
Oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation reduce sperm mitochondrial respiration, negatively impacting sperm motility. This suggests mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to reduced sperm quality in infertile men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Mitochondrial Function
- Spermatozoa Physiology
Background:
- Oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation are implicated in male infertility.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a potential contributor to impaired sperm function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation, and sperm mitochondrial respiratory efficiency.
- To understand the impact of these factors on sperm motility.
Main Methods:
- Sperm mitochondrial respiratory activity was assessed using a polarographic assay measuring oxygen consumption.
- Evaluated relationships between mitochondrial respiration, oxidative stress markers, and sperm DNA fragmentation levels.
Main Results:
- Sperm motility showed a positive correlation with mitochondrial respiration.
- Oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation were negatively correlated with sperm motility and mitochondrial respiration.
- Sperm mitochondrial respiratory activity was diminished by increased oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation.
Conclusions:
- Elevated reactive oxygen species lead to decreased sperm mitochondrial respiration via uncoupling of electron transport and ATP synthesis.
- Reduced mitochondrial functionality is a likely cause of decreased sperm motility in affected individuals.
- Targeting oxidative stress may improve mitochondrial function and enhance sperm quality.
Related Concept Videos
01:30The Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain or oxidative phosphorylation is an exothermic process in which free energy released during electron transfer reactions is coupled to ATP synthesis. This process is a significant source of energy in aerobic cells, and therefore inhibitors of the electron transport chain can be detrimental to the cell's metabolic processes.
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q in...
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q in...
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
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...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:43Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV
During the electron transport chain, electrons from NADH and FADH2 are first transferred to complexes I and II, respectively. These two complexes then transfer the electrons to ubiquinol, which carries them further to complex III. Complex III passes the electrons across the intermembrane space to Cyt c, which carries them further to complex IV. Complex IV donates electrons to oxygen and reduces it to water. As electrons pass through complexes I, III, and IV, the energy released aids the pumping...
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...