Seminal-Plasma Ferroptosis Markers (GPX4 and ACSL4) and Their Relation to Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Asthenozoospermic Iraqi Men

Background

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death driven by peroxidation of membrane phospholipids. Sperm membranes are rich in polyunsaturated lipids, which makes them a likely target. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) blocks this process and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) feeds it. Neither has been studied in the seminal plasma of Iraqi men.