RT - Journal Article T1 - Importance of 1-carbon cycle antioxidant function in male fertility: A review article JF - KAUMS YR - 2022 JO - KAUMS VO - 26 IS - 6 UR - http://feyz.kaums.ac.ir/article-1-4714-en.html SP - 739 EP - 749 K1 - Male fertility K1 - 1-carbon cycle K1 - Glutathione K1 - Transsulfuration pathway K1 - Sperm AB - Background: Spermatogenesis is a process that leads to the production and differentiation of sperm. During this process, various molecular and metabolic pathways are involved. "1-carbon cycle" is known as one of the most important metabolic cycles, which includes two cycles of folate and methionine and the transsulfuration pathway. This cycle has essential and vital roles in DNA and RNA methylation, DNA condensation and maturation, and maintaining the antioxidant balance in sperm. In this review, the importance of the 1-carbon cycle in the process of spermatogenesis has been considered. Materials and Methods: Using the keywords of the study, related studies were reviewed from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases between 1993 and 2021 in English, and the information of 69 selected articles was extracted. Result: Disturbance in the 1-carbon cycle metabolism, such as the transsulfuration pathway, the re-methylation process, folate or cobalamin deficiency, and the presence of single nucleotide polymorphism of the MTHFR gene variant C677T, can affect DNA and RNA methylation and sperm DNA integrity. An increase in homocysteine concentration, especially in individuals with folate deficiency, is associated with an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in antioxidants in the cell, which can affect sperm function and fertility. Conclusion: Strengthening the 1-carbon cycle with folate and other micronutrients may lead to the improvement of sperm parameters and fertility potential by activating the enzymes involved in the transsulfuration pathway and reducing homocysteine concentration. LA eng UL http://feyz.kaums.ac.ir/article-1-4714-en.html M3 10.48307/FMSJ.2022.26.6.739 ER -