The Roles of NO and H2S in Sperm Biology: Recent Advances and New Perspectives

Abstract

After being historically considered as noxious agents, nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are now listed as gasotransmitters, gaseous molecules that play a key role in a variety of cellular functions. Both NO and H2S are endogenously produced, enzymatically or non-enzymatically, and interact with each other in a range of cells and tissues. In spite of the great advances achieved in recent decades in other biological systems, knowledge about H2S function and interactions with NO in sperm biology is in its infancy. Here, we aim to provide an update on the importance of these molecules in the physiology of the male gamete. Special emphasis is given to the most recent advances in the metabolism, mechanisms of action, and effects (both physiological and pathophysiological) of these gasotransmitters. This manuscript also illustrates the physiological implications of NO and H2S observed in other cell types, which might be important for sperm function. The relevance of these gasotransmitters to several signaling pathways within sperm cells highlights their potential use for the improvement and successful application of assisted reproductive technologies.

Caffeine increased progressive motility of human spermatozoa in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic semen samples and enhanced activity of seminal creatine kinase

“…Actually, such measurement is attributable to the crucial role of nitric oxide in regulation of sperm motility. In fact, various studies have confirmed the presence of nitric oxide synthase in human spermatozoa and seminal plasma (O'Bryan et al., 1998), and nitric oxide has been identified as a vital modulator in maintaining the adequate motility of the spermatozoa (Banihani, 2020; Banihani et al., 2018; Donnelly et al., 1997; Kadlec et al., 2020). As a result, there was insignificant decrease in the level of nitric oxide produced in the presence of caffeine at all tested concentrations except for the 20 mM concentration.…”

“…Specifically, the selection of these parameters is attributable to their vital role in maintaining the adequate motility of spermatozoa. For example, various studies have shown that nitric oxide synthase is present in human spermatozoa (O'Bryan et al., 1998) and that nitric oxide modulates the maintenance of adequate motility of the spermatozoa (Banihani, 2020; Banihani et al., 2018; Donnelly et al., 1997; Kadlec et al., 2020). Change in the levels of endogenous nitric oxide produced was found to significantly affect sperm motility (Donnelly et al., 1997).…”

Redox Balance in Male Infertility: Excellence through Moderation—“Μέτρον ἄριστον”

“…H 2 S, their main precursor, has been related to normal erectile function and sperm motility at physiological levels, while its insufficiency has been implicated in impaired spermatogenesis and blood-testis barrier defects. Excessive RSS levels may also be detrimental to sperm movement owing to low energy levels caused by the inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport and ATP generation [28].…”

“…Hand-searched/Reference list checked 29 [9,10,27,28,31,34,42,47,[49][50][51][52][53][54][55][58][59][60][61][63][64][65][66][67]69,70,81,82,87]…”

The Interaction of NO and H2S in Boar Spermatozoa under Oxidative Stress

“…The importance of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) in male reproduction has been widely recognized [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Together with carbon monoxide (CO), the members of the gasotransmitter family participate not only in spermatogenesis, but also in epididymal sperm maturation [ 6 , 7 ].…”