Oxidative stress and male infertility

Background Between 30% and 80% of patients with male infertility produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their ejaculate even though the cause of male infertility is unexplained in approximately half of cases. The strong connection between oxidative stress (OS) and male infertility has led recent investigators to propose the term Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI) to describe OS-associated male infertility. Methods We searched the PubMed database for original and review articles to survey the effects of OS on male infertility, and then verified the effects and treatments. Main findings Seminal plasma contains many antioxidants that protect sperm from ROS, because low amounts of ROS are required in the physiological fertilization process. The production of excessive ROS causes OS which can lower fertility through lipid peroxidation, sperm DNA damage, and apoptosis. Several assays are available for evaluating OS, including the MiOXSYS (R) analyzer to measure oxidation-reduction potential. Several measures should be considered for minimizing OS and improving clinical outcomes. Conclusion Accurately diagnosing patients with MOSI and identifying highly sensitive biomarkers through proteomics technology is vital for better clinical outcomes.

Automated summary

Research has shown that there is a strong connection between oxidative stress and male infertility, leading to the proposal of the term Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI). Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ejaculate can lead to oxidative stress, which in turn can lower fertility through various mechanisms. Different assays are available for evaluating oxidative stress, such as the MiOXSYS (R) analyzer, and various measures can be considered for minimizing oxidative stress and improving clinical outcomes.