Role of Copper and Selenium in Reproductive Biology: A Brief Update

Among the indispensable trace elements required for normal physiological growth and development of the body; Copper (Cu) and Selenium (Se) have a paramount significance in human reproduction. Male testosterone levels have been suggested to play a role in the severity of Cu deficiency. In females, estrogen causes increase in plasma Cu levels by inducing ceruloplasmin and alteration of hepatic subcellular distribution of Cu. Thus, changes in Cu levels due to estrogen are thought to protect Cu-deficient females against mortality. During pubertal maturation, the Se content of male gonads increases and it is localized in the mitochondrial capsule protein of the mid-piece. In females, infertility and abortion aberrations are caused due to Se deficiency.