Manganese: A Potent Antioxidant in Semen

Antioxidant are the agents which dispose / scavenge the reactive oxygen species, minimize the oxidative stress / lipid peroxidation and ultimately improve the fertilizing potential of the spermatozoa. Currently, many antioxidants are under investigation and manganese is one of them in reducing the oxidative stress both in male and female. The antioxidative action of manganese (Mn2+) on various biological systems has been studied. The high concentration of Mn2+ may be harmful in certain cases, but, its lower doses are effective. Mn2+ in very small amount (µM) affects human health and its deficiency may cause symptoms such as impaired or depressed reproductive functions. It is a cofactor of some antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), pseudo-catalase and photosynthetic oxygen evolving center. It also facilitates the sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. This article reviews the detrimental effects of Mn2+ on male fertility and alterations in physiological functions of spermatozoa on in vitro supplementation of Mn2+. I have also provided information on the role of Mn2 + in other system of the body which may be applied to the future research in the field of reproductive biology.