Breathing new life into male fertility: the potential of mitochondrial transplantation

Male infertility affects about 7% of men worldwide. Along with this disease also comes stigma and taboo that overshadow its emotional and psychological impacts. Despite its widespread prevalence, many cases of male infertility remain idiopathic. This review illustrates the use of mitochondrial transfer in addressing male fertility issues, particularly in situations where sperm movement is hindered and there are problems with mitochondrial function. Various factors can trigger male infertility, such as problems with sperm quality or quantity, genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances, testicular injuries, infections, or lifestyle habits. Stress, anxiety, and depression are parameters that can make matters worse by disrupting hormone levels and sperm production. Currently, there’s no reliable treatment for mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a role in oxidative stress and lower ATP production. Mitochondrial transfer works by injecting healthy mitochondria into deficient cells; this, in turn, improves ATP production and reduces oxidative stress. This leads to improvements in sperm motility and viability. The technique has already been used and found effective in improving embryo quality in human oocytes, which shows its potential application in male infertility treatments. Therefore, in the present review, we discussed the mechanisms used for mitochondrial transfer, intercellular communication pathways, purification, and delivery techniques that can enhance therapeutic outcomes. By consolidating recent advances in this domain, we aim to present a comprehensive overview of mitochondrial transfer as an innovative intervention in the management of male infertility. The ultimate goal is to transform male infertility from a challenging condition into a manageable one. This will offer new hope to affected individuals and couples through advanced reproductive technologies and targeted therapeutic interventions.