Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma signaling in human sperm physiology

• Main Authors: Li-Li Liu, Hua Xian, Jing-Chen Cao, Chong Zhang, Yong-Hui Zhang, Miao-Miao Chen, Yi Qian, Ming Jiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2015-01-01
• Series: Asian Journal of Andrology
• Subjects: fertilization; hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; insulin resistance; leptin; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma; sperm physiology; spermatogenesis; spermatozoa
• Online Access: http://www.ajandrology.com/article.asp?issn=1008-682X;year=2015;volume=17;issue=6;spage=942;epage=947;aulast=Liu

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a member of the PPARs, which are transcription factors of the steroid receptor superfamily. PPARγ acts as an important molecule for regulating energy homeostasis, modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and is reciprocally regulated by HPG. In the human, PPARγ protein is highly expressed in ejaculated spermatozoa, implying a possible role of PPARγ signaling in regulating sperm energy dissipation. PPARγ protein is also expressed in Sertoli cells and germ cells (spermatocytes). Its activation can be induced during capacitation and the acrosome reaction. This mini-review will focus on how PPARγ signaling may affect fertility and sperm quality and the potential reversibility of these adverse effects.