Astaxanthin in male reproduction: Advances in studies.
- Author:
Wei LIU
1
;
Xiao-Fang KANG
2
;
Xue-Jun SHANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Andrology, Nanjing School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University / Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.
2. Department of Hematology， The First School of Clinical Medicine， Shanxi Medical University， Taiyuan， Shanxi 030001， China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
antioxidant;
astaxanthin;
male infertility;
oxidative stress;
spermatozoa
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2016;22(10):938-943
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Astaxanthin (AST) is a carotenoid with a strong antioxidant activity and has many biological functions, such as anti-inflammation, immune regulation, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, and anti-apoptosis. Recent studies show that AST can effectively regulate the dynamic balance between oxidation and antioxidants in the male reproductive system, protect sperm mitochondrial function, ameliorate testicular heat stress and reproductive poison damage, promote the occurrence of sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, regulate reproductive endocrine hormone balance, and act favorably on primary infertility or metabolic syndrome-related infertility. It also helps the treatment of late-onset hypogonadism and prostate health care. This review updates the studies of AST in male reproductive health and provides some new ideas for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive problems.
