Male infertility associated with oxidative stress of spermatozoa: pathogenesis and therapeutic approach

Abstract

Infertility is defined as not being to get pregnant for a couple after at least a year of regular sexual life. The condition has become a global health issue affecting about 187 million couples worldwide, and about half of the cases are associated with male factors. There are several external and internal factor infertility. Oxidative stress, which is a common cause of several conditions associated with male infertility is one of the main factors. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) decrease sperm quality through reducing sperm motility and increasing damage to DNA, protein, and lipids. If DNA strand breaks are not repaired, a cell undergoes apoptosis, programmed cell death. The combination antioxidants are considered effective in improving male fertility parameters due to synergistic effects of various components. The mechanism of action of most of them is directed toward reducing ROS concentration, thereby improving sperm quality. In addition, this review considers other natural molecules - myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, which improve sperm quality. They are involved in many signalling mechanisms in spermatozoa that regulate cytoplasmic calcium levels, mitochondrial capacity and function. On the other hand, D-chiro-inositol is involved in the inhibition of steroidogenic aromatase enzymes, thereby increasing testosterone levels. In this review, we analyse the processes associated with oxidative stress in male fertility and the mechanisms of action of various molecules, as well as consider treatment options for management of various male reproductive system disorders.

Keywords

• reactive oxygen species
• antioxidants
• inositols
• stimulation of spermatogenesis
• pro-inflammatory cytokines
• antiinflammatory cytokines
• apoptosis
• pyroptosis