Apoptosis and Male Infertility

Abstract

Male infertility is a widespread problem; approximately in one in five infertile couples, the problem lies solely in the male partner. The pathogenesis of male infertility can be reflected by defective spermatogenesis due to pituitary disorders, testicular cancer, germ cell aplasia, varicocele, and environmental factors or due to defective sperm transport resulting from congenital abnormalities or immunological or neurological factors. Recent findings have shown that male infertility increases due to exposure to environmental toxicants that leads to abnormal apoptosis of either germ cells or Sertoli cells. Some of the environmental contaminants have the ability to interfere with natural hormones and have been shown to induce programmed cell death. Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death (PCD), is an important phenomenon required for normal spermatogenesis in mammals and is believed to ensure cellular homeostasis. Under normal conditions, an adequate number of germ cells are eliminated via the process of apoptosis in order to maintain a precise germ cell population is compliance with the supportive capacity of the Sertoli cells. This chapter briefs both physiological and pathological events that can trigger apoptosis and their effects on the male reproductive system.