The role of selenium and selenocysteine-containing proteins in the mammalian male reproductive system

Resumo

This review summarizes the results of recent studies in which the role of selenium has been addressed by investigating the functions and biochemical properties of mammalian selenocysteine-containing proteins and their involvement in maintaining the normal function of the male reproductive system. Selenium is an essential trace element; its deficiency leads to serious diseases, including male infertility disorders, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, etc. A total of 25 selenocysteine-containing proteins are known now, and almost half of them occur in the testis, highlighting the significance of the issue.