Effect of Oxidative Stress on Male Reproduction

Abstract

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples trying to conceive, and a male factor contributes to roughly half of these cases. Oxidative stress (OS) has been identified as one of the many mediators of male infertility by causing sperm dysfunction. OS is a state related to increased cellular damage triggered by oxygen and oxygen-derived free radicals known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). During this process, augmented production of ROS overwhelms the body's antioxidant defenses. While small amounts of ROS are required for normal sperm functioning, disproportionate levels can negatively impact the quality of spermatozoa and impair their overall fertilizing capacity. OS has been identified as an area of great attention because ROS and their metabolites can attack DNA, lipids, and proteins; alter enzymatic systems; produce irreparable alterations; cause cell death; and ultimately, lead to a decline in the semen parameters associated with male infertility. This review highlights the mechanisms of ROS production, the physiological and pathophysiological roles of ROS in relation to the male reproductive system, and recent advances in diagnostic methods; it also explores the benefits of using antioxidants in a clinical setting.

Protein modification as oxidative stress marker in follicular fluid from women with polycystic ovary syndrome: the effect of inositol and metformin

“…Whereas the role of ROS in the reproductive male function has been widely studied [33][34][35][36][37], only in last few years attention of researchers has been also focused on the female reproductive function. It is believed that ROS over-production in the reproductive tract may significantly contribute to woman infertility mainly because of the ability of these molecules to exert a toxic effect decreasing oocyte quality [2,38,39].…”

The effects of three different exercise modalities on markers of male reproduction in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled trial

“…Oxidative stress in seminal plasma have been associated with negative changes in sperm concentration, motility and morphology (Khosrowbeygi & Zarghami 2007, Agarwal et al 2014 and can cause potential damage to the plasma membrane of the sperm cell and DNA integrity (Tremellen 2008) (Fraczek & Kurpisz 2015). These cytokines may adversely affect sperm cell function and the reproductive process (Sanocka et al 2003, Fraczek et al 2008, Fraczek & Kurpisz 2015.…”

“…Oxidative stress has been identified as an area of great attention because of the fact that ROS and their metabolites can lead to largely irreversible perturbations of semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity. The consequences are poor fertilization, poor embryonic development, pregnancy loss, birth defects and childhood cancer (De Iuliis et al 2006, Tremellen 2008, Aitken et al 2010, Agarwal et al 2014. To preserve cellular damage by overproduction of ROS, seminal plasma contains a number of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, which act as free radical scavengers to eliminate surplus ROS and allow a balance between ROS generation and scavenging activity to be achieved.…”

Correlation of Seminal Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity and Malondialdehyde Levels With Sperm Parameters in Men With Idiopathic Infertility

“…However, pathological conditions such as autoimmune disorders, chronic disease, alcohol consumption, advanced age, smoking, infections, and stress result in oxidative stress (7). Antioxidants in the seminal fluid play a key role in antioxidant defense mechanisms.…”

“…Oxidative stress is a result of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their neutralization or scavenging by the antioxidant system. ROS are inherent byproducts of aerobic life, and oxidative stress occurs when they overcome our natural ability to detoxify ROSinduced damage (7,8). It is believed that controlled levels (physiological levels) of these ROS are necessary for sperm physiology, maturation, capacitation, acrosomal reactions, and normal fertilization.…”