Abstract
Treating oxidative stress through antioxidant therapy has been considered an appealing strategy in the management of male infertility. However, evidence regarding the toxicity of antioxidant therapy is controversial. We summarized the available clinical evidence on the toxicity associated with the use of antioxidants in infertile males. A systematic review was performed in March 2021. We included randomized controlled trials evaluating the incidence of adverse events in male patients with infertility receiving antioxidant therapy. Thirteen studies involving 1999 male patients were identified. Antioxidant supplementation in patients with male factor infertility was associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of nausea (Odds Ratio: 2.16, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.05–4.43, p = 0.036), headache (Odds Ratio: 3.05, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.59– 5.85 p = 0.001), and dyspepsia (Odds Ratio: 4.12, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.43–11.85, p = 0.009) compared to a placebo. Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was not significantly higher in patients taking antioxidants compared to a placebo (Odds Ratio: 2.29, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.76–6.88, p = 0.139). When antioxidant supplementation is considered, a more accurate risk/benefit analysis is warranted.
Highlights
Introduction iationsInfertility, defined as the inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, affects 10 to 15% of couples [1]
reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a crucial role in allowing sperm capacitation and acrosomal reaction, sperm cells are highly sensitive to Oxidative stress (OS) as they aretonot able to defendand themselves
Results from a Cochrane review showed higher live birth and treatment;rates even in when studies with with a high risk of bias were excluded the or analysis, the pregnancy patients treated antioxidants compared to a from placebo no treatpregnancy rates in patients treated with antioxidants compared to a placebo or no treatresulting was not statistically significant
Summary
Infertility, defined as the inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, affects 10 to 15% of couples [1]. It has been reported that a male factor is present in about 20–70% of infertile couples [1,2,3]. Oxidative stress (OS), defined as an imbalance in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, has been reported as one of the main causes of male infertility [4]. Spermatozoa are highly sensitive to OS [4]. These cells are incapable of repairing damage caused by OS because they suffer from a lack of essential cytoplasmic enzymes [4]. OS can interfere with the hypothalamic axis and disrupt the secretion of sex hormones [4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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 call