<![CDATA[Human sperm undergo physiological and biochemical changes when present in the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. The release of cholesterol from the plasma membrane, which increases membrane fluidity and permeability to bicarbonate and calcium ions, plasma membrane hyperpolarization, protein phosphorylation changes, protein kinase activity, increased bicarbonate (HCO3-), intracellular pH, Ca2+ concentration, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels are all biochemical changes connected with the capacitation process. Sperm capacitation can be induced by various factors, one of which is Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Physiologically, spermatozoa produce ROS as a byproduct of aerobic respiration metabolism. Due to cytoplasmic insufficiency, human sperm structurally have few intracellular antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, sperm are more vulnerable to their own generated ROS. Interestingly, in large quantities, ROS can cause oxidative stress that may lead sperm towards apoptosis; however, if present in adequate amounts, it can induce the capacitation signaling pathway in sperm. The main focus of this paper is to discuss the role of ROS in inducing capacitation signaling pathway in human sperm.]]>
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