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HERO ID
7422533
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Oxidative stress and male infertility: current knowledge of pathophysiology and role of antioxidant therapy in disease management
Author(s)
Barati, E; Nikzad, H; Karimian, M; ,
Year
2020
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS)
ISSN:
1420-682X
EISSN:
1420-9071
Publisher
SPRINGER BASEL AG
Location
BASEL
Page Numbers
93-113
Language
English
PMID
31377843
DOI
10.1007/s00018-019-03253-8
Web of Science Id
WOS:000510844000007
URL
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00018-019-03253-8
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Abstract
Infertility is a global health problem involving about 15% of couples. Approximately half of the infertility cases are related to male factors. The oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, is one of the main causes of infertility in men. A small amount of ROS is necessary for the physiological function of sperm including the capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosomal reaction. However, high levels of ROS can cause infertility through not only by lipid peroxidation or DNA damage but inactivation of enzymes and oxidation of proteins in spermatozoa. Oxidative stress (OS) is mainly caused by factors associated with lifestyle. Besides, immature spermatozoa, inflammatory factors, genetic mutations and altering levels of sex hormones are other main source of ROS. Since OS occurs due to the lack of antioxidants and its side effects in semen, lifestyle changes and antioxidant regimens can be helpful therapeutic approaches to overcome this problem. The present study aimed to describe physiological ROS production, roles of genetic and epigenetic factors on the OS and male infertility with various mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and disorder of male hormone profile, inflammation, and varicocele. Finally, the roles of oral antioxidants and herbs were explained in coping with OS in male infertility.
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