Review | |
Improving Sperm Quality and Hormonal Receptor Expression: N-acetylcysteine Treatment in Testicular Hypoxia | |
Majid Shokoohi1, Zahra Shojaei2, Gilda Ghazi Soltani1, Saba Vaezi1, Vahideh Kianmarz Bonab3, Amir Afshin Khaki4, Kian Keyhan3, Alireza Alihemmati2 | |
1Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 3Department of Exercise Physiology and Sport Science, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran 4Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran |
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DOI: 10.34172/cjmb.2025.5039 Viewed : 266 times Downloaded : 334 times. Keywords : N-acetylcysteine, Sperm quality, Hormonal receptor, Testicular hypoxia |
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Abstract | |
Testicular hypoxia, defined as insufficient oxygen supply to the testes, is a critical factor in male infertility and reproductive health issues. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), through its antioxidant properties and role as a glutathione (GSH) precursor, has been proposed as a protective agent against testicular hypoxia. This review evaluates whether NAC improves sperm quality and hormonal receptor regulation by reducing oxidative stress and modulating redox balance. We also summarize NAC"s effects on androgen receptors (ARs), estrogen receptors (ERs), and follicle-stimulating hormone receptors (FSHRs), highlighting its potential to influence spermatogenesis and endocrine function. Evidence from experimental studies and clinical trials suggests that NAC may improve sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity, though results on morphology remain inconsistent. Clinical findings indicate improvements in sperm parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers; however, effect sizes vary, and study limitations must be considered. This narrative review supports NAC as a potential therapy for hypoxia-related male infertility, while emphasizing the need for further clinical trials to clarify optimal dosing, treatment duration, and long-term safety. |
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