精索静脉曲张对精子线粒体功能影响的研究进展

Varicocele and sperm mitochondrial function: An update

精索静脉曲张(VC)是男性不育的常见原因之一,与精子线粒体功能变化密切相关。研究发现VC可以导致精子线粒体膜电位改变、线粒体DNA(mt DNA)数量及完整性变化、蛋白质表达异常、精子线粒体自噬等,这些改变可能是导致男性不育的重要机制。生活环境是精子线粒体功能转归的重要外在因素。通过药物改善精子线粒体功能的研究目前仍较少。手术治疗可能改善精子线粒体膜电位、精子mt DNA损伤以及精子蛋白的表达,从而改善精子线粒体功能。本文综述了VC患者精子线粒体功能破坏的可能发生机制及其转归。

Varicocele is one of the common causes of male infertility, which is closely related to the changes of sperm mitochon- drial function. Studies show that varicocele can lead to changes in the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential, the number and integrity of mitochondrial DNAs, abnormal protein expressions, and autophagy of sperm mitochondria, which may be important patho- genic factors for male infertility. Living environment is an essential external factor for the functional recovery of sperm mitochondria. Few studies are reported on the improvement of sperm mitochondrial function with drugs. Surgical treatment may improve the mitochon- drial membrane potential, sperm mitochondrial DNA damage, expressions of sperm proteins, and thus the function of sperm mitochon- dria. This article reviews the pathogenesis and prognosis of sperm mitochondrial dysfunction in varicocele patients.