Abstract
The lipid metabolism in sperm cells is important both for energy production and for
cell structure. A special composition of membrane phospholipids, rich in polyunsaturated
fatty acids (PUFA), and the different composition of sperm and immature germ cell
membrane are described and discussed. Testis germ cells as well as epididymal maturing
spermatozoa are endowed with enzymatic and non-enzymatic scavenger systems to prevent
lipoperoxidative damage. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-dependent
oxidoreductases are present in variable amounts in the different developmental stages.
Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) activity and roles in caput
and cauda epididymal sperm cells are discussed. Also seminal plasma has a highly specialized
scavenger system that defends the sperm membrane against lipoperoxidation and the
degree of PUFA insaturation acts to achieve the same goal. Systemic predisposition
and a number of pathologies can lead to an anti-oxidant/pro-oxidant disequilibrium.
Scavengers, such as glutathione can be used to treat these cases as they can restore
the physiological constitution of PUFA in the cell membrane.
Keywords
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References
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© 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
