Andrology-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Recent advances in the human male gamete: focus on testicular varicocele

Adele Vivacqua, Giuseppina Peluso, Marco Serrao, Lidia Urlandini, Mattia Saporito, Helena Adamo, Vittoria Rago and Saveria Aquila*

From the XVII century, sperm has been studied for its function in fertilization and its unique cell characteristics. Successively, the new innovative techniques rendered possible to clarify, at last in part, the organization and structure of the male gamete, however, it remains to clarify the composition at molecular level and the mechanisms through which it regulates its functions. Previous studies have been mainly focused on morphological and biochemical changes related to the processes of capacitation and acrosome reaction. It is interesting to note that the human sperm during his life goes through two stages of development: the first in the male genital tract, where it acquires the morpho-anatomical maturation; the second in the female genital tract, where it acquires the functional maturation during the capacitation process which prepare the gamete to the acrosome reaction. Our studies have shown the presence of different hormone/hormone receptor system inside sperm e.g.: Aromatase/ERs, 5α-reductase/ARs, Insulin/IR-B, Leptin/OB-R allowing the sperm to perform its functions. Interestingly, the presence of different types of mRNAs was observed. From others and ours studies it emerges that the sperm can regulate its function trough an autocrine short loop and that it possesses mRNAs needed to produce new proteins during capacitation or to give him the possibility to be accepted by oocyte to proceed to the syngamy and embryo development. Testicular varicocele impairs male fertility in a variety of ways: on spermatogenesis, semen quality and functionality of the gametes. Recently, it was showed that the disease causes a damage in the male gamete at the molecular level including a steroid receptors reduction and this open a new chapter in the already multifaceted physiopathology of varicocele. These studies constrain the need of further research on gamete composition and on the diseases related the male genital apparatus, considering the high couple infertility linked to the male. The mini review focalizes on new intriguing advances on sperm cell biology. Furthermore, we emphasize the impact of varicocele on the male gamete performance.

Published Date: 2025-07-14; Received Date: 2025-06-12