Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma signaling in human sperm physiology

Asian J Androl. 2015 Nov-Dec;17(6):942-7. doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.150253.

Abstract

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a member of the PPARs, which are transcription factors of the steroid receptor superfamily. PPARγ acts as an important molecule for regulating energy homeostasis, modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and is reciprocally regulated by HPG. In the human, PPARγ protein is highly expressed in ejaculated spermatozoa, implying a possible role of PPARγ signaling in regulating sperm energy dissipation. PPARγ protein is also expressed in Sertoli cells and germ cells (spermatocytes). Its activation can be induced during capacitation and the acrosome reaction. This mini-review will focus on how PPARγ signaling may affect fertility and sperm quality and the potential reversibility of these adverse effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome Reaction / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Fertility / physiology*
  • Fertilization / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Infertility, Male / metabolism
  • Leptin / metabolism
  • Male
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism*
  • PPAR gamma / physiology
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Semen Analysis
  • Sertoli Cells / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Sperm Capacitation / physiology*
  • Spermatocytes / metabolism*
  • Spermatogenesis / physiology
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Testis / metabolism

Substances

  • Leptin
  • PPAR gamma
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases