Beta-Thalassemia and Male Infertility: Unraveling the Oxidative Stress Connection—An Up-to-Date Review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Beta-thalassemia (BTH), a genetic disorder resulting from beta-globin gene mutations, affects over 1.5 million people globally. The disorder’s multifactorial impact on male fertility, particularly through oxidative stress (OS), warrants focused study. This review examines the mechanisms of OS in TM, its implications for male infertility, and the potential of antioxidant therapies to mitigate fertility challenges. Methods: A non-systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane, and Medscape databases, focusing on studies on beta-thalassemia (BTH), erectile dysfunction (ED), hormonal alterations, and OS. Studies were screened based on relevance, language, and topic, with 71 articles meeting the inclusion criteria after removing duplicates. Results: The findings reveal that OS, exacerbated by iron overload from regular blood transfusions, is significantly associated with impaired sperm quality and fertility in patients with TM. Iron toxicity affects gonadotropin levels, reduces sperm quality, and contributes to hypogonadism. Additionally, antioxidant therapies show promise in reducing OS-induced sperm damage, though efficacy is limited by a lack of robust clinical trials. Conclusions: OS plays a considerable role in male infertility among patients with TM, primarily through iron-induced sperm damage and hormonal disruptions. While antioxidant therapies may offer a partial remedy, further research is necessary to understand OS’s mechanisms in TM and develop effective fertility treatments. This review highlights the need for personalized antioxidant approaches to improve reproductive outcomes in this population.

Keywords

• beta-thalassemia
• male infertility
• oxidative stress
• reactive oxygen species
• antioxidants