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Related Concept Videos

Overview of the Reproductive System01:31

Overview of the Reproductive System

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The reproductive system generates offspring, ensuring the survival of the species. In humans, the reproductive system is complex and involves a variety of organs and hormones that work together to ensure successful reproduction.
The gonads, or primary reproductive organs, produce gametes and sex hormones. In males, the testes produce spermatozoa and testosterone, which is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, larger muscles, facial and body...
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Spermatogenesis01:41

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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...
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Meiosis I03:09

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Meiosis is the division of a diploid cell into haploid cells forming sperm and eggs in animals through differentiation. Meiosis I is the first stage of meiosis, where the genetic recombination of homologous chromosomes and the reduction of the ploidy level by half occurs.
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Infertility in Males01:23

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Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
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Disorders of the Male Reproductive System01:20

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Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
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Nondisjunction01:21

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Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate correctly and move to the opposite poles of the cells. This produces daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers.  Nondisjunction is common during anaphase I or anaphase II of meiosis.  Mutations in synaptonemal complex proteins that attach homologous chromosomes increase the chances of nondisjunction in anaphase I of meiosis I. In contrast, mutations in topoisomerases and condensins that hold...
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Evaluation of Intracellular Location of Reactive Oxygen Species in Solea Senegalensis Spermatozoa
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Selenium and reproductive function. A systematic review.

M Mirone1, E Giannetta, A M Isidori

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|January 15, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Selenium (Se) is vital for reproductive health, influencing gonadal development and fertilization. Supplementation may improve male infertility, but optimal dosage and assessment methods require further research.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Trace Element Metabolism

Background:

  • Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element crucial for reproductive functions, including gonadal development, gametogenesis, and fertilization.
  • It is actively taken up by gonads and primarily incorporated into glutathione peroxidase enzymes, vital for cellular protection.
  • Existing research highlights a complex, bell-shaped dose-response curve for Se, with both deficiency and excess negatively impacting function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review molecular studies, observational data, and randomized controlled trials on selenium's role in reproductive health over the past 30 years.
  • To critically appraise the evidence for Se supplementation in male and female infertility and pregnancy outcomes.
  • To identify gaps in current knowledge regarding Se assessment and optimal supplementation strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review encompassing molecular studies, prospective observational data, and randomized controlled trials.
  • Critical appraisal of study quality, sample size, and consistency of selenium level assessments.
  • Analysis of dose-response relationships and effects on male/female reproductive parameters and pregnancy outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Selenium supplementation exhibits a bell-shaped dose-response curve, with adverse effects at both low and high concentrations.
  • Limited clinical trials suggest potential benefits of low-dose Se supplementation (<200 μg/d) for male infertility, though study quality and selenium assessment are inconsistent.
  • Evidence for selenium's role in female reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes is promising but requires larger, controlled trials.

Conclusions:

  • Selenium plays a significant role in reproductive health, but optimal supplementation requires careful consideration of dosage and individual selenium status.
  • Current evidence supports assessing serum selenium levels and considering low-dose supplementation for idiopathic male infertility and to potentially improve gestational outcomes.
  • Further high-quality research, including large controlled trials and meta-analyses, is needed to establish definitive recommendations for selenium supplementation in reproductive health.