How defective spermatogenesis affects sperm DNA integrity

Spermatogenesis is the essential process to maintain and promote male fertility. It is extraordinarily complex with many regulatory elements and numerous steps. The process involves several cell types, regulatory molecules, repair mechanisms and epigenetic regulators. Evidence has shown that fertility can be negatively impacted by reduced sperm DNA integrity. Sources of sperm DNA damage include replication errors and causes of DNA fragmentation which include abortive apoptosis, defective maturation and oxidative stress. This review outlines the process of spermatogenesis, spermatogonial regulation and sperm differentiation; additionally, DNA damage and currently studied DNA repair mechanisms in spermatozoon are also covered.

Automated summary

Spermatogenesis is a complex process involving multiple regulatory elements and steps, essential for maintaining and promoting male fertility. Reduced sperm DNA integrity can negatively impact fertility, with sources of DNA damage including replication errors and fragmentation due to various causes like apoptosis and oxidative stress. Research also covers DNA repair mechanisms in spermatozoon.