Cooperative function of antioxidant and redox systems against oxidative stress in male reproductive tissues

• Published in: Asian journal of andrology Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 231 - 242
• Main Authors: FUJII, Junichi, IUCHI, Yoshihito, MATSUKI, Shingo, ISHII, Tatsuya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford blackwell 01.09.2003
• Subjects: Animals; Antioxidants - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Catalase - metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genitalia, Male - enzymology; Genitalia, Male - metabolism; Glutathione - biosynthesis; Glutathione Peroxidase - metabolism; Hormone metabolism and regulation; Humans; Male; Mammalian male genital system; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress - physiology; Oxidoreductases - metabolism; Superoxide Dismutase - metabolism; Thioredoxins - metabolism; Vertebrates: reproduction; 抗氧化剂; 氧化还原系统; 男性生殖系统; 硫氧还蛋白; 超氧化物歧化酶; Prevention; Oxidative stress; Vertebrata; Reproduction; Mammalia; Animal; Cooperation; Redox system; Antioxidant; Male genital system; Biological activity
• ISSN: 1008-682X; 1745-7262

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced under oxidative stress, such as high oxygen concentration and during the metabolic consumption of oxygen molecules. Male reproductive tissues appear to be continuously exposed to ROS produced by active metabolism. In addition, spermatozoa must pass through a high oxygen environ-ment during the mating process. Thus, to maintain viable reproductive ability, a protective mechanism against oxida-tive stress is of importance. Here, we overview our current understanding of the cooperative function of antioxidative and redox systems that are involved in male fertility. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase are major enzymes that scavenge harmful ROS in male reproductive organs. In turn, glutathione and thioredoxin systems constitute the main redox systems that repair oxidized and damaged molecules and also play a role in regulating a variety of cellular functions. While glutathione functions as an antioxidant by donating electrons to glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin donates electrons to peroxiredoxin as a counterpart of glutathione peroxidase. In addition,aldo-keto reductases, which detoxify carbonyl compounds produced by oxidative stress, are present at high levels in the epithelia of the genital tract and Sertoli cells of the testis. Since these systems are involved in cross-talk, a comprehensive understanding will be required to maintain the physiological functions of male reproductive system.( Asian J Andro12003 Sep; 5: 231-242)