Abstract
The pathophysiology of male infertility involves various interlinked endogenous pathways. About 50% of the cases of infertility in men are idiopathic, and oxidative stress (OS) reportedly serves as a central mechanism in impairing male fertility parameters. The endogenous antioxidant system operates to conserve the seminal redox homeostasis required for normal male reproduction. OS strikes when a generation of seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelms endogenous antioxidant capacity. Thus, antioxidant treatment finds remarkable relevance in the case of idiopathic male infertility or subfertility. However, due to lack of proper detection of OS in male infertility, use of antioxidant(s) in some cases may be arbitrary or lead to overuse and induction of ‘reductive stress’. Moreover, inflammation is closely linked to OS and may establish a vicious loop that is capable of disruption to male reproductive tissues. The result is exaggeration of cellular damage and disruption of male reproductive tissues. Therefore, limitations of antioxidant therapy in treating male infertility are the failure in the selection of specific treatments targeting inflammation and OS simultaneously, two of the core mechanisms of male infertility. The present review aims to elucidate the antioxidant paradox in male infertility treatment, from the viewpoints of both induction of reductive stress as well as overlooking the inflammatory consequences.
Highlights
Male factor infertility has become one of the foremost global health issues and is said to account for 20% to 30% of global infertility cases [1,2]
Failures of antioxidant treatment for male infertility roots from the failure in selection of treatment components is specific in targeting inflammation and oxidative stress (OS), both at the same time [34]
Reducing OS is thought to be a method to avoid various diseases [49,50]. Given that these components can be purchased over the counter without a prescription and that antioxidant products are used to supplement diets, it is critical that they have no negative side effects
Summary
Male factor infertility has become one of the foremost global health issues and is said to account for 20% to 30% of global infertility cases [1,2]. The present article supports the fact that ‘antioxidant paradox’ in male infertility treatment may partially be explained by: (i) the failure to choose treatments that target both inflammation and OS; (ii) the failure to utilize both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time; and (iii) the use of nonselective agents downregulating some oxidative and/or inflammatory pathways while exaggerating others. Failures of antioxidant treatment for male infertility roots from the failure in selection of treatment components is specific in targeting inflammation and OS, both at the same time [34] This notion prompted us to consider the fundamental concepts of the interaction and interdependence of OS and inflammation in disrupting male reproductive functions, to explain the mechanism pertaining to ‘antioxidant paradox’ in male infertility
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
