Taurine and Antioxidant Effects on Male Reproductive Function
Summary
Taurine, a sulfur‐containing amino acid, exerts multifaceted roles in the male reproductive system, principally through antioxidant, osmoregulatory and membrane‐stabilising actions. It is present in high concentrations within the testes and epididymis, where it supports the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis, promotes spermatogenesis and safeguards germ cells against oxidative damage. By scavenging reactive oxygen species and modulating endogenous antioxidant systems such as glutathione, taurine helps to preserve sperm motility, viability and mitochondrial function. Additionally, it mitigates inflammatory and apoptotic pathways triggered by environmental toxins, heat stress or metabolic disorders. These properties underpin its potential in improving semen quality in both clinical and agricultural settings, with implications for male fertility preservation, livestock breeding and the management of age‐related declines in reproductive performance.
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Taurine and Antioxidant Effects on Male Reproductive Function publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in taurine and antioxidant effects on male reproductive function across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Taurine: A semi-essential sulfonic amino acid abundant in testes, acting as an antioxidant and osmolyte.
Oxidative stress: Imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defences, leading to cellular damage.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules derived from oxygen, including peroxides and free radicals.
Hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis: Endocrine network regulating the production of gonadotropins and testosterone.
Spermatogenesis: Process by which spermatozoa develop from spermatogonial stem cells in the seminiferous tubules.
Glutathione (GSH/GSSG): Principal intracellular antioxidant; the ratio of reduced to oxidised forms indicates redox status.
Sperm motility: Capacity of spermatozoa to move actively and progressively, vital for fertilisation.
References
- The role of taurine in male reproduction: Physiology, pathology and toxicology. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023).
- Monitoring of taurine dietary supplementation effect on parameters of Duroc boar ejaculate in summer season. PLOS ONE (2024).
- Role Of Taurine In Male Reproductive System Performance In Adult Male Rats Exposed To Oxiative Stress By Hydrogen Peroxide. Journal of Applied Veterinary Sciences (2019).
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