Abstract In order to transport an intact and complete paternal genome to the oocyte, spermatozoa are characterized by an extremely compacted nuclear DNA as compared to the nucleus of somatic…

Abstract Gametogenesis is a central biological process for sexual reproduction. In this process, both haploid male and female gametes are needed for successful fertilization. Male gamete or sperm are produced…

Abstract Spermatozoa, one of the two most pivotal cells of biological existence, are responsible for mediating the transfer of genetic information to subsequent generations. Mammalian fertilization and subsequent embryonic development…

Abstract Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a condition where the levels of oxidants overwhelm those of the antioxidants (reductants) present in the semen [1]. The most important oxidants are reactive…

Abstract Infertility is a difficult and stressful condition that impacts about 15 percent of couples attempting to conceive for the first time [1]. In about half of these cases a…

Abstract The incidence of infertility is up to 20–25 percent in men with poor semen quality with a contribution of the male factor in 30–50 percent of couples undergoing assisted…

Abstract Today, about 10–15 percent of couples at reproductive age worldwide are infertile and they are unable to conceive naturally without medical assistance. Infertility can be caused by male-only factors,…

Abstract Fertilization is an exceptionally specific cell recognition event that represents the culmination of a complex sequence of morphological and functional maturational events. In the case of the male gamete,…

Abstract Mitochondria are crucial organelles of eukaryotic aerobic cells (somatic and germ cells) because they produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and are modulators of ion homeostasis, generators of free radicals and…