Abstract
Defective sperm function has been identified as the most common cause of infertility. The objective of this study was to review recent findings on the effects of various antioxidants on male fertility. High amounts of poly unsaturated fatty acid are found in the mammalian spermatozoa membranes, thereby making them susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Although, free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play major roles in reproduction, they are strongly associated with oxidative stress. Furthermore, factors such as obesity, inflammation, pollutants and cigarette smoking are negatively correlated with spermatogenesis. Endogenous antioxidants system exists to mediate these damages. In a normal physiological state, the seminal plasma contains antioxidant enzyme mechanism that is capable of quenching these ROS as well as protecting the spermatozoa against any likely damage. However, high level of ROS triggered by inflammatory cells and oxidation of fatty acid in obese subjects may down play antioxidant mechanism resulting in oxidative stress. Evaluation of such oxidative stress is the first step in the treatment of male infertility through administration of suitable antioxidant. Notably, antioxidant such as vitamin E and C, carotenoids and carnitine have been found beneficial in restoring a balance between ROS generation and scavenging activities. There are emerging evidences that herbal products can also boost male reproductive functions. Nonetheless, a good lifestyle, regular exercise, avoidance of stress and observing safety rules at work are habits that can reverse male infertility.
Highlights
Couples begin to show concern if conception cannot be achieved after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse
This review focuses on oxidative stress as a consequence of inflammation, obesity and other sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as its impact on physiology and integrity of a sperm cell
Oxidative stress is a common phenomenon in the aetiology of many diseases and male infertility is Oxidative not an exception
Summary
Couples begin to show concern if conception cannot be achieved after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. About 15% of couples desiring pregnancy are in this state globally and male factor infertility is responsible in not less than 50% of the cases [1,2]. Female partners have been deemed responsible for infertility despite the progress made by Scientist in Human reproduction in the last century. Not until the last four decades when research findings associated roughly 50%. Of childlessness to male factor infertility, women have been wrongly stigmatized for inability to conceive [3,4]. Factors identified in sperm dysfunction and male factor infertility are mainly environmental, physiological, and genetic [5].
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