Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
04:36
Author Spotlight: A Simple and Cost-Effective Method for Leukocyte Analysis in Semen
Published on: January 19, 2024
5.8K
Posttesticular sperm maturation, infertility, and hypercholesterolemia
Marjorie Whitfield, Xavier Pollet-Villard, Rachel Levy
1Team "Mechanisms of post testicular infertility", Génétique Reproduction et Développement, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, 24 Avenue des Landais, BP80026, 63171 Aubière Cedex, France.
Asian Journal of Andrology
|June 13, 2015
Summary
High cholesterol negatively impacts male fertility by affecting sperm maturation after testicular development. This review explores hypercholesterolemia
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and lipid metabolism.
Background:
- Cholesterol is vital for mammalian physiology, particularly steroid hormone synthesis and sperm function.
- Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for sperm maturation, with imbalances affecting post-testicular events.
- Male fertility is impacted by dyslipidemia, though often studied via endocrine/testicular effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the detrimental effects of hypercholesterolemia on post-testicular sperm maturation in mammals.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on cholesterol's role in sperm maturation.
Main Results:
- Imbalanced cholesterol levels, specifically hypercholesterolemia, adversely affect sperm maturation post-testis.
- Dyslipidemia's impact on male fertility is often overlooked concerning post-testicular sperm development.
Conclusions:
- Hypercholesterolemia poses a significant threat to mammalian male fertility by impairing sperm maturation.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate the effects of cholesterol dysregulation on sperm quality.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
689
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...
689
01:41Spermatogenesis
124.8K
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...
124.8K
01:22Spermatogenesis
11.1K
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
11.1K
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
5.5K
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.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
5.5K
01:27Testes: Histology
3.8K
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
3.8K
01:15Sperm Transport
5.1K
The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
5.1K