Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria; SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Corresponding author. Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Matthew Iyobhebhe
Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria; SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Nigeria
Elizabeth Temidayo Oluwayemi
Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria; SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Nigeria
Olasunkanmi Peter Olajide
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran, 251101, Nigeria
Bolanle Adenike Akinsanola
Department of Microbiology, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran, 251101, Nigeria
Ikponmwosa Owen Evbuomwan
Department of Microbiology, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran, 251101, Nigeria
Rotdelmwa Maimako Asaleye
Department of Life and Consumer Sciences University of South Africa Private Bag X06, Florida, 1710, South Africa
Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo
Phytomedicine, Molecular Toxicology, and Computational Biochemistry Research Group, Biochemistry Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, 232101, Nigeria; Good Health and Wellbeing Research Clusters (SDG 03), Bowen University, Iwo 232102, Nigeria; Corresponding author. Phytomedicine, Molecular Toxicology, and Computational Biochemistry Research Group, Biochemistry Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, 232101, Nigeria
Infertility has become a significant health burden around the globe as it is believed that 15 % of married couples struggle with infertility, with half of the problem accrued to the male. The issue of male infertility could be traced to insufficient or absence of spermatozoa. Glucose metabolism is essential for continued spermatogenesis and for the reproductive potential of sperm cells. Appropriate nutrition is critical in maintaining reproductive function as caloric restriction along with weight reduction, excessive food consumption and obesity are harmful to reproductive function. The link between metabolism and reproduction is tied to metabolic hormones like insulin, leptin and thyroid, extracellular environment, mitochondria function, nutrient substrate, availability, and environmental stressors. Although matured spermatozoa utilize glucose directly, it is not the preferred energy substrate for germ cells as they rely on Sertoli cells to supply lactate. The reproductive potential of sperm cells depends on certain modifications like hyperactivated motility, which is mainly dependent on glucose metabolism. Without other energy sources, spermatozoa utilize their internal lipid stores. The uptake and metabolism of glucose by sperm are essential endpoints for determining the potential fertility of male individuals. The biological energy in sperm cells fuels all the physiological processes they engage in, from their deposition in the female reproductive tract to the point where they fertilize an egg. This article thus reviews facts pertinent to the energy metabolism of male germ cells and Sertoli cells.
