Male infertility, oxidative stress and antioxidants
Abstract
Within the male reproductive system, oxidative stress (OS) has been identified
as prevailing etiology of male infertility. The effects of reactive oxygen species
(ROS) on male fertility depend on the dimensions, “modus operandi” of the ROS
and the oxido-reduction potential (ORP) of the male reproductive tract. Hereupon,
for an adequate response to OS, the cells of our body are endowed with a wellsophisticated
system of defense in order to be protected. Various antioxidant
enzymes and small molecular free radical scavengers, maintain the delicate balance
between oxidants and reductants (antioxidants), crucial to cellular function and
fertility. Therapeutic use of antioxidants is an optimal and coherent option in terms
of mitigating OS and improving semen parameters. Therefore, recognizing and
managing OS through either decreasing ROS levels or by increasing antioxidant
force, appear to be a requesting approach in the management of male infertility.
However, a clear defined attitude of the experts about the clinical efficacy of
antioxidant therapy is still deprived.