Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Arachidonic Acid Pathways and Male Fertility: A Systematic Review
Malvina Hoxha1, Arcangelo Barbonetti2, Bruno Zappacosta1
1Department for Chemical-Toxicological and Pharmacological Evaluation of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1000 Tirana, Albania.
Abstract:
Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is involved in male fertility. Human seminal fluid contains different prostaglandins: PGE (PGE1 and PGE2), PGF2α, and their specific 19-hydroxy derivatives, 18,19-dehydro derivatives of PGE1 and PGE2. The objective of this study is to synthesize the available literature of in vivo animal studies and human clinical trials on the association between the AA pathway and male fertility. PGE is significantly decreased in the semen of infertile men, suggesting the potential for exploitation of PGE agonists to improve male fertility. Indeed, ibuprofen can affect male fertility by promoting alterations in sperm function and standard semen parameters. The results showed that targeting the AA pathways could be an attractive strategy for the treatment of male fertility.
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Males
Spermatogenesis
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle....
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....

