Reactive oxygen species impact on sperm DNA and its role in male infertility

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been extensively studied as a cause of male infertility. Excessive levels of ROS coupled with a deficiency in antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress (OS), which in turn can lead to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage, telomere shortening, epigenetic alterations and Y chromosomal microdeletions. In this review, we discuss how OS induces DNA damage and the types of DNA damage that can occur. We also briefly touch on the clinical consequences of OS-induced DNA damage.