Osteopontin and male reproduction.
- Author:
Qian LIU
1
;
Qing-Zhen XIE
Author Information
1. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Animals;
Fertility;
Genitalia, Male;
metabolism;
Humans;
Male;
Mammals;
Osteopontin;
metabolism;
Spermatozoa;
metabolism
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2012;18(5):446-449
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein with multifunctions, expressed in various tissues and body fluids, involved in various physiological and pathological processes. It is also detected in the reproductive tract of both males and females, and participates in the implantation, development and differentiation of embryos. Recent studies have indicated that OPN is closely related with male fertility and may affect sperm quality and fertilization. An insight into the functions of OPN may help to explain the mechanisms of male infertility and improve the success rate of assisted reproductive technology.
