Role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants on pathophysiology of male reproduction |
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| Authors: | M Maneesh H Jayalekshmi |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Biochemistry, Melaka Manipal Medical College, 576 104 Manipal;(2) Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, 737102 Gangtok |
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| Abstract: | The excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by abnormal spermatozoa and contaminating leukocytes has been defined
as one of the few etiologies for male infertility. Administration of antioxidants in patients with ‘male factor’ infertility
has begun to attract considerable interest. The main difficulty of such an approach is our incomplete understanding of the
role of free radicals in normal and abnormal sperm function leading to male infertility. Mammalian spermatozoa membranes are
very sensitive to free radical induced damage mediated by lipid peroxidation, as they are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Limited endogenous mechanisms exist to reverse these damages. ROS attacks the fluidity of the sperm plasma membrane and the
integrity of DNA in the sperm nucleus. ROS induced DNA damage accelerate the germ cell apoptosis. Unfortunately spermatozoa
are unable to repair the damage induced by excessive ROS as they lack the cytoplasmic enzymes required to accomplish the repair.
Assessment of such oxidative stress status (OSS) may help in the medical treatment. Treatment strategies must be directed
toward lowering of ROS levels to keep only a small amount necessary to maintain normal cell function. |
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| Keywords: | Oxidative stress Reactive oxygen species male infertility Oxidative stress status |
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