Journal
ARAB JOURNAL OF UROLOGY
Volume 16, Issue 1, Pages 113-124Publisher
ARAB ASSOC UROLOGY
DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2017.11.013
Keywords
Male infertility; Antioxidants; Reactive oxygen species; Semen analysis; Sperm DNA fragmentation
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Objective: To explore the current evidence concerning the effect of oral antioxidant supplementation on various male fertility outcomes, as antioxidants are widely available compounds that are commonly used for the treatment of male infertility. Materials and methods: PubMed, Medline and Cochrane electronic databases were searched according to a modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines looking for studies investigating the effect of antioxidant therapy on infertile men. The studies were explored looking for antioxidants: (i) types and doses; (ii) mechanism of action and rationale for use; and (iii) effect on the different outcome measures reported. Results: In all, 26 studies reported a significant positive effect of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters, advanced sperm function, outcomes of assisted reproductive therapy, and live-birth rate. Vitamin E, vitamin C, carnitines, Nacetyl cysteine, co-enzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, folic acid and lycopene were most commonly used. The vitamins' mechanism of action and reported doses is presented in Tables 1 and 2. Conclusion: Antioxidants generally have a favourable effect on male fertility. Further studies are needed to identify the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be used safely and efficiently in clinical practice. (C) 2017 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.
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