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Impact of calcium and reactive oxygen species on human sperm function: Role of NOX5

Sara Keshtgar1, Esmaeel Ghani2,3

  • 1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Andrologia
|June 9, 2022
PubMed

Insights

NOX5 activation and calcium overload increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sperm, impairing motility and viability. Teratozoospermic sperm are more vulnerable, suggesting NOX5 as a therapeutic target for male infertility.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a complex role in sperm function.
  • Aberrant ROS production is implicated in male infertility.
  • NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) is a potential source of ROS in spermatozoa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of NOX5 activation and calcium overload in ROS production and sperm function.
  • To compare ROS production and sperm function in teratozoospermic and normozoospermic individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Human spermatozoa from teratozoospermic (n=15) and normozoospermic (n=17) donors were analyzed.
  • Sperm were treated with calcium ionophore (A23187) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to activate NOX5.
  • ROS production, motility, viability, acrosome reaction, and apoptosis were measured.

Main Results:

  • Calcium overload and NOX5 activation significantly increased ROS production in sperm.
  • Sperm motility and viability decreased following calcium elevation and NOX5 activation.
  • Teratozoospermic sperm exhibited higher basal and stimulated ROS production and were more susceptible to apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • NOX5 activation and calcium overload contribute to oxidative stress and impaired sperm function.
  • Increased ROS production and apoptosis in teratozoospermic sperm highlight NOX5 as a potential therapeutic target for infertility.
Keywords:
NOX5ROSapoptosiscalciumspermatozoa

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