Measuring Reactive Oxygen Species in Semen for Male Preconception Care: A Scientist Perspective

Abstract

Oxidative stress and elevated levels of seminal and sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to up to 80% of male infertility diagnosis, with sperm ROS concentrations at fertilization important in the development of a healthy fetus and child. The evaluation of ROS in semen seems promising as a potential diagnostic tool for male infertility and male preconception care with a number of clinically available tests on the market (MiOXSYS, luminol chemiluminescence and OxiSperm). While some of these tests show promise for clinical use, discrepancies in documented decision limits and lack of cohort studies/clinical trials assessing their benefits on fertilization rates, embryo development, pregnancy and live birth rates limit their current clinical utility. In this review, we provide an update on the current techniques used for analyzing semen ROS concentrations clinically, the potential to use of ROS research tools for improving clinical ROS detection in sperm and describe why we believe we are likely still a long way away before semen ROS concentrations might become a mainstream preconception diagnostic test in men.

Male Infertility Coexists with Decreased Sperm Genomic Integrity and Oxidative Stress in Semen Irrespective of Leukocytospermia

“…The question of how to interpret ORP results was raised by Joao et al [ 43 ]. According to the manufacturer protocol, ORP measured in millivolts (mV) should be adjusted for the sperm concentration and represented as the static ORP (sORP, expressed as mV/10 6 sperm cells/mL) to show the transfer of electrons between oxidants and reductants [ 44 ]. However, Joao et al [ 43 ] questioned the validity of normalization of the results to the mV/10 6 sperm cells/mL.…”

“…MiOXSYS is one of three useful and clinically available measurements of ROS in semen recommended by the WHO [ 62 ]. Although it is a relatively novel method, it has been extensively discussed in scientific publications [ 44 ]. The most important advantages of MiOXSYS are rapid result, high sensitivity, small sample volume required for analysis (only 30 µL), good reproducibility, long time for analysis (the results can be obtained up to 2 h post ejaculation), fresh and frozen samples can be used, and the measurements can be performed in raw semen and seminal fluid.…”

“…The most important advantages of MiOXSYS are rapid result, high sensitivity, small sample volume required for analysis (only 30 µL), good reproducibility, long time for analysis (the results can be obtained up to 2 h post ejaculation), fresh and frozen samples can be used, and the measurements can be performed in raw semen and seminal fluid. Finally, the methodology is very simple and standardized as the manufacturer provides a ready-to use protocol [ 44 , 62 ]. On the other hand, there are known disadvantages of this method.…”

“…MiOXSYS cannot differentiate different types of ROS radicals, the results are influenced by a low sperm count (especially severe oligozoospermia), and the method is temperature-sensitive. Moreover, the sensors required for testing are quite expensive [ 44 ].…”

Relationships between Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Seminal Plasma and Sperm Motility in Bulls before and after Cryopreservation

“…Oxidative stress is the cause of a series of pathological conditions that involve different apparatus, including the reproductive system, for which reason it may lead to male and female infertility [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. In our study, bull semen samples were divided into two groups with the use of a cluster analysis, according to motility parameters.…”