A Short Review on Polyamine Metabolism in Sperm Cell

Polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine are natural constituents of living organisms. In mammals they are present in tissues and fluids. Since they are basic molecules interact with a variety of polyanions such as nucleic acids. Deoxyribonucleic acid is stabilized by polyamines. Recently, attention has been focused to understand their role in diabetes mellitus and reproductive abnormalities not only in male but also in female reproduction. Several investigations have demonstrated that in un-controlled diabetic men, sperm deoxyribonucleic acid is glycated and fragmented, which has relevance in human reproduction. In our laboratory we show that polyamines prevent both processes. This paper provides information on polyamine synthesis, interconversion and physiological effects in sperm cell with emphasis in human sperm cell.