Antioxidants in Reproductive Health and Fertility

Abstract

Antioxidants play a vital role in reproductive health and fertility. The local cellular environment influences oocyte development, ovulation, successful fertilization, and maintenance of early pregnancy. An offset of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cellular oxidative stress can adversely affect function of reproductive organs and fertility. ROS and antioxidants have emerged as ubiquitous participants in normal human reproductive processes. Imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant relationship has been implicated in numerous reproductive disorders and complications, including endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, oocyte aging, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome, spontaneous abortion, and infertility. Studies have examined dietary antioxidant supplementation in hopes to prevent and treat reproductive pathologies. Dietary antioxidants, including isoflavones, antioxidant vitamins, and trace elements, which are cofactors of key antioxidant enzymes, have been targeted as nutritional antioxidants for prevention and/or treatment of unexplained infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortions. However, there is a vast knowledge deficit to fill, and targeted studies are needed to elucidate the role of ROS in normal reproductive physiology and fertility, as well as in treatment of reproductive pathologies. This chapter reviews the role played by antioxidants in female reproductive health and fertility and antioxidant interventions for the prevention and treatment of reproductive pathology in association with oxidative stress.