Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility

Abstract

We had previously demonstrated that Coenzyme Q10 [(CoQ10) also commonly called ubiquinone] is present in well-measurable levels in human seminal fluid, where it probably exerts important metabolic and antioxidant functions; seminal CoQ10 concentrations show a direct correlation with seminal parameters (count and motility). Alterations of CoQ10 content were also shown in conditions associated with male infertility, such as asthenozoospermia and varicocele (VAR). The physiological role of this molecule was further clarified by inquiring into its variations in concentrations induced by different medical or surgical procedures used in male infertility treatment. We therefore evaluated CoQ10 concentration and distribution between seminal plasma and spermatozoa in VAR, before and after surgical treatment, and in infertile patients after recombinant human FSH therapy. The effect of CoQ10 on sperm motility and function had been addressed only through some in vitro experiments. In two distinct studies conducted by our group, 22 and 60 patients affected by idiopathic asthenozoospermia were enrolled, respectively. CoQ10 and its reduced form, ubiquinol, increased significantly both in seminal plasma and sperm cells after treatment, as well as spermatozoa motility. A weak linear dependence among the relative variations, at baseline and after treatment, of seminal plasma or intracellular CoQ10, ubiquinol levels and kinetic parameters was found in the treated group. Patients with lower baseline value of motility and CoQ10 levels had a statistically significant higher probability to be responders to the treatment. In conclusion, the exogenous administration of CoQ10 increases both ubiquinone and ubiquinol levels in semen and can be effective in improving sperm kinetic features in patients affected by idiopathic asthenozoospermia.

Coenzyme Q10 and male infertility: a meta-analysis

“…The distribution of CoQ10 between intracellular and extracellular compartments appears to be an active process. In this study, Balercia et al [8] observed a positive correlation between the CoQ10 levels in the seminal plasma and sperm motility. Hence, it could be hypothesised that, in certain circumstances, an increased oxidative stress in sperm cells could somehow overwhelm the CoQ10 levels, which could lead to the detrimental effect of its bioenergetic role on spermatogenesis.…”

“…It is well-known that CoQ10 is a highly lipophilic molecule, which led to Balercia et al [8] hypothesising that CoQ10 diffuses through the phospholipid bilayer of cellular membranes in their transport from the peripheral blood to testicular and accessory male genital glands. However, whether this transport takes place either passively or through an active mechanism remains unknown.…”

“…Hence, it could be hypothesised that, in certain circumstances, an increased oxidative stress in sperm cells could somehow overwhelm the CoQ10 levels, which could lead to the detrimental effect of its bioenergetic role on spermatogenesis. However, a deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms of CoQ10 might lead to a greater knowledge of unexplained infertility [8].…”

Evaluation of atorvastatin efficacy and toxicity on spermatozoa, accessory glands and gonadal hormones of healthy men: a pilot prospective clinical trial

“…One hypothesis to explain this action is that atorvastatin induces a decrease in ubiquinone oxido-reductase (Coenzyme Q10) level. The enzyme represents an important intracellular antioxidant for spermatozoa in the seminal fluid and its concentration in seminal fluid is positively correlated with sperm motility [57,58]. Recently, it was proposed that statins could act by three major intracellular mechanisms implicating insulin signaling transduction pathway, ATP and calcium regulation [8].…”

A review on the role of quinones in renal disorders

“…Ubiquinone-10, a fat soluble quinone, is found in particularly high concentrations in the mitochondria of cells in the brain, heart, liver, and kidney. Deficiencies in ubiquinone-10 have been associated with the pathology of a diverse number of diseases, including encephalopathy, myopathy, male infertility, and nephrotic syndrome (Villalba et al2010; Quinzii & Hirano2010; Balercia et al2009). Accelerated arteriosclerosis is driven by the proinflammatory response and ubiquinones in the plasma appear to play a protective role against coronary artery disease.…”