Metformin, Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Way Forward

Authors

  • Faiza Alam
  • Nida Farooqui Department of Biological Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Rehana Rehman Department of Biological Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.11-1318

Abstract

Madam,

There is an increased prevalence of infertility in male population. With reference to a variety of mechanisms, oxidative stress (OS) is responsible for alteration in  structural and functional integrity of sperm leading to altered sperm parameters, hence leading to infertility (1).

Metformin though proved to be a first-line hypoglycemic agent has demonstrated antioxidant properties in numerous tissues. It inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain in the liver, which leads to stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent as well as AMPK-independent mechanisms (2). Metformin triggers alanine production within the Sertoli cells (SCs,) balances  the NADH/NAD+ equilibrium and provides antioxidant environment. This drug is a treatment of choice in treating females with Polycystic Ovaries (PCOS) on the basis of its capability to reduce insulin sensitivity as well as angiogenesis through the nuclear factor ?B (NF-?B) pathway which renders it to reduce oxidant species, thus improving the reproductive environment (3). Continuous....

Published

2021-01-21

How to Cite

Alam , F. ., Nida Farooqui, & Rehana Rehman. (2021). Metformin, Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Way Forward. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 71(2), 781–782. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.11-1318

Issue

Section

Letter to the Editor