Role of antioxidants in fertility preservation of sperm-A narrative review

Male fertility is affected by multiple endogenous stressors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), which greatly deteriorate the fertility. However, physiological levels of ROS are required by sperm for the proper accomplishment of different cellular functions including proliferation, maturation, capacitation, acrosomal reaction, and fertilization. Excessive ROS production creates an imbalance between ROS production and neutralization resulting in oxidative stress (OS). OS causes male infertility by impairing sperm functions including reduced motility, deoxyribonucleic acid damage, morphological defects, and enhanced apoptosis. Several in-vivo and in-vitro studies have reported improve- ment in quality -related parameters of sperm following the use of different natural and synthetic antioxidants. In this review, we focus on the causes of OS, ROS production sources, mechanisms responsible for sperm damage, and the role of antioxidants in preserving sperm fertility.

Automated summary

Male fertility is negatively affected by endogenous stressors, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which reduce fertility. However, proper levels of ROS are necessary for sperm to complete various cellular functions. Excessive ROS production leads to oxidative stress (OS) and impairs sperm functions, resulting in male infertility. Numerous studies have shown that the use of natural and synthetic antioxidants can improve sperm quality-related parameters. This review focuses on the causes of OS, sources of ROS production, mechanisms of sperm damage, and the role of antioxidants in preserving sperm fertility.