Vitamin A and Male Reproduction
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Date
2023-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
جامعة الشيخ عبدالله البدري
Abstract
Abstract:
Vitamin A is essential for various functions in the human body, including growth,
epithelial differentiation, eyesight, immune system function, men's reproduction,
and male infertility by enhancing sperm quality, bioenergetics, functioning,
maintaining mitochondrial stability, and reducing oxidative damage. Males require
dietary retinoid or vitamin A for spermatogenesis, as spermatogonial stem cells
start the process through periodic RA after birth. Blood-testis barrier interactions
and RA signals are crucial to the process of spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis is a
significant inducer of spermatogenesis in the mammalian testis. The
undifferentiated spermatogonia are started by RA at the beginning of the 72-day
spermatogenesis process in humans. The immune system, which is aided by
vitamin A, mediates reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity and protects
reproductive organs from oxidative stress. Beta-carotene (inactivated) and retinol
(activated) are the two major forms of vitamin A that circulate in the body.
Retinoic acid may contribute to male fertility through its impact on sperm quantity
and shape. Vitamin A deficiency can stop spermatogenesis prematurely, but longterm chronic high vitamin A intake harms sperm viability, production, and
morphology. Vitamin A measurement is crucial for understanding lipid
peroxidation, which is a significant risk factor for human spermatozoa. Infertile
patients may have higher levels of reactive oxygen species production, which
could be a cause of idiopathic infertility. The body's defenses against oxidative
damage rely heavily on lipid-soluble antioxidants like vitamin A, which includes
beta-carotene. High levels of these vitamins have protective effects against disease
by reducing lipid peroxidation. Techniques for measuring retinol include
immunoassay technology, reverse phase open column chromatography, and
monoclonal antibody-based immuno-enzymometric tests. High-performance liquid
3
chromatography (HPLC) is a quick and reliable method for estimating retinol
levels simultaneously in serum and seminal fluid.