Abstract

The transport of water and several other small molecules across cell membranes is vital in many of the processes underlying reproduction. Fluid transport in cells and tissues inclusive of male reproductive organs are regulated by disparate isoforms of aquaporins (AQPs) in living organisms. Alteration in the expression, function and/or regulation of AQPs leads to some forms of male subfertility and infertility. The emerging role of AQPs in male and female reproductive function has been revealed in recent times. However, the role of AQPs with reference to male reproductive system needs to be explored in greater detail. This review emphasizes the distribution of AQPs and their physiological and pathophysiological role in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis; and understanding the molecular mechanisms behind AQPs mediated regulation of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis will help us in developing treatment strategies towards improved reproductive health.

中文翻译：

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水通道蛋白在精子发生和睾丸类固醇生成中的作用。

摘要

水和其他几个小分子跨细胞膜的运输在许多繁殖过程中至关重要。包括男性生殖器官在内的细胞和组织中的液体运输受活生物体中水通道蛋白（AQPs）异构体的调节。AQPs的表达，功能和/或调节的改变导致某些形式的男性不育和不育。最近已经揭示了AQP在男性和女性生殖功能中的新兴作用。但是，需要更详细地探讨AQP在男性生殖系统中的作用。这项审查强调AQPs的分布及其在精子发生和类固醇生成中的生理和病理生理作用；