Impact of Oxidative Stress on Male Infertility: A Review

Abstract

In recent years, the issue of male infertility has gained significant attention due to psychosocial effects caused on couples. The aim of this review is to identify the impact of oxidative stress on male infertility. The comprehensive literature review focused on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the testis, its effects on sperm motility, longevity, and fertilizing capacity, as well as the relationship between reactive oxygen species and male infertility. This study highlights the critical role of ROS in sperm function. From the content, it can therefore be concluded that increased ROS along with decreased antioxidant defense result in redox imbalance, reduced sperm motility and sperm DNA damage and in turn male infertility. ROS can induce sperm DNA damage that in turn may cause childhood diseases such as autosomal dominant disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, and childhood cancers like retinoblastoma. Additionally, the review discussed the physiological and pathological roles of reactive oxygen species in male fertility. Albeit, there is also provisional insights into the prevalence of male infertility worldwide, with a focus on the African region, where male factor infertility was found to account for a significant percentage of infertility cases. Lifestyle changes, including the inclusion of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in treatment regimens to prevent oxidative DNA damage were recommended. Furthermore, healthy lifestyle choices and the avoidance of tobacco smoking, marijuana, and alcohol use may play central role in preserving male fertility.