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Animal reproduction science2021; 246; 106805; doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106805

An integrated overview on the regulation of sperm metabolism (glycolysis-Krebs cycle-oxidative phosphorylation).

Abstract: An overview of the sperm metabolism is presented; using the stallion as a model we review glycolysis, Krebs Cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, paying special attention to the interactions among them. In addition, metabolism implies a series of coordinated oxidation-reduction reactions and in the course of these reactions reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive oxoaldehydes are produced ; the electron transport chain (ETC) in the mitochondria is the main source of the anion superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, while glycolysis produces 2-oxoaldehydes such as methylglyoxal as byproducts; due to the adjacent carbonyl groups are strong electrophiles (steal electrons oxidizing other compounds). Sophisticated mechanisms exist to maintain redox homeostasis, because ROS under controlled production also have important regulatory functions in the spermatozoa. The interactions between metabolism and production of reactive oxygen species are essential for proper sperm function, and deregulation of these processes rapidly leads to sperm malfunction and finally death. Lastly, we briefly describe two techniques that will expand our knowledge on sperm metabolism in the coming decades, metabolic flow cytometry and the use of the "omics" technologies, proteomics and metabolomics, specifically the micro and nano proteomics/metabolomics. A better understanding of the metabolism of the spermatozoa will lead to big improvements in sperm technologies and the diagnosis and treatment of male factor infertility.
Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2021-07-14 PubMed ID: 34275685DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106805Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This study provides an integrated review on the regulation of sperm metabolism, specifically focusing on glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. The researchers also explore the role of reactive oxygen species in sperm function, and how advancements in omics technologies may contribute to this field of study.

Exploring Sperm Metabolism

  • The research focuses on understanding sperm metabolism, primarily examining glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. These are fundamental metabolic processes that influence the survival and functionality of sperms.
  • These biological processes are studied within the context of the stallion, used as a model organism. The choice of the model organism may be due to its similarity to humans in terms of reproductive biology, or it may be due to other specific advantages offered by the stallion for this type of study.

Role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

  • In the process of metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive oxoaldehydes are produced. The study highlights the role of these reactive compounds in sperm function. The compounds primarily originate from the electron transport chain (ETC) in the mitochondria and to a smaller extent from glycolysis.
  • The production of these reactive substances is carefully controlled, indicating that they have important regulatory roles within sperm cells. Under normal conditions, these substances help maintain balance in the cellular environment.
  • Deregulation of these reactions can quickly lead to sperm malfunction and eventually death, hence the relevance of these substances in managing sperm health.

Potential Future Research Tools

  • The researchers also introduce two promising tools for future research on sperm metabolism: Metabolic flow cytometry and omics technologies, specifically proteomics and metabolomics. These new tools can better elucidate the complex metabolic processes within sperm cells.
  • Proteomics and metabolomics are fields of research focusing on the comprehensive analysis of proteins and metabolites in a biological sample, respectively. These technologies promise to reveal new insights on the role and intricacy of proteins and metabolites in sperm cells.

Relevance to Male Fertility

  • This research is particularly important for its implications in understanding and addressing male factor infertility. A better understanding of sperm metabolism can potentially lead to improvements in diagnosing and treating this condition.
  • In addition, it can also contribute to the progress of other sperm technologies used in assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization.

Cite This Article

APA
Peña FJ, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Gaitskell-Phillips GL, Gil MC, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Martín-Cano FE. (2021). An integrated overview on the regulation of sperm metabolism (glycolysis-Krebs cycle-oxidative phosphorylation). Anim Reprod Sci, 246, 106805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106805

Publication

Animal reproduction science
ISSN: 1873-2232
NlmUniqueID: 7807205
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 246
Pages: 106805

Researcher Affiliations

Peña, Fernando J
  • Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain. Electronic address: fjuanpvega@unex.es.
Ortiz-Rodríguez, José M
  • Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Gaitskell-Phillips, Gemma L
  • Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Gil, Maria C
  • Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Ortega-Ferrusola, Cristina
  • Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Martín-Cano, Francisco E
  • Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.

MeSH Terms

  • Male
  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Sperm Motility / physiology
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Citric Acid Cycle
  • Semen / metabolism
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Infertility, Male / veterinary
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Horse Diseases / metabolism

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declaration of Competing Interest The authors report no declarations of interest.

Citations

This article has been cited 28 times.
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