Perspectives on Potential Fatty Acid Modulations of Motility Associated Human Sperm Ion Channels

Human spermatozoan ion channels are specifically distributed in the spermatozoan membrane, contribute to sperm motility, and are associated with male reproductive abnormalities. Calcium, potassium, protons, sodium, and chloride are the main ions that are regulated across this membrane, and their int...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2022-03, Vol.23 (7), p.3718
Main Authors: Cooray, Akila, Kim, Ji Hyun, Chae, Mee Ree, Lee, Sungwon, Lee, Kyu Pil
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abnormalities
Channel gating
Fatty Acids - pharmacology
Fertility
Hormone replacement therapy
Humans
Infertility
Ion Channels
Male
Membranes
Motility
Physiology
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Potassium
Proteins
Review
Sodium - pharmacology
Sperm
Sperm Motility
Spermatogenesis
Spermatozoa - physiology
Stem cells
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Summary:Human spermatozoan ion channels are specifically distributed in the spermatozoan membrane, contribute to sperm motility, and are associated with male reproductive abnormalities. Calcium, potassium, protons, sodium, and chloride are the main ions that are regulated across this membrane, and their intracellular concentrations are crucial for sperm motility. Fatty acids (FAs) affect sperm quality parameters, reproductive pathologies, male fertility, and regulate ion channel functions in other cells. However, to date the literature is insufficient to draw any conclusions regarding the effects of FAs on human spermatozoan ion channels. Here, we aimed to discern the possible effects of FAs on spermatozoan ion channels and direct guidance for future research. After investigating the effects of FAs on characteristics related to human spermatozoan motility, reproductive pathologies, and the modulation of similar ion channels in other cells by FAs, we extrapolated polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) to have the highest potency in modulating sperm ion channels to increase sperm motility. Of the PUFAs, the ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids have the greatest effect. We speculate that saturated and monounsaturated FAs will have little to no effect on sperm ion channel activity, though the possible effects could be opposite to those of the PUFAs, considering the differences between FA structure and behavior.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms23073718