A REVIEW ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN SPERM HEALTH AND MALE INFERTILITY

Abstract

Background:
Male infertility is a critical health issue in the world and oxidative stress has been identified as a major causal factor influencing the functionality of sperm. The ratio between antioxidant defenses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been reported to be involved in the impaired quality of semen, especially in idiopathic infertility.

Objective(s):
To evaluate the association between oxidative stress markers and male infertility outcomes, and to review their diagnostic and therapeutic implications with respect to antioxidant balance.

Methodology:
Electronic databases were used to conduct a systematic literature review based on PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were pre-established by challenging the quality of peer-reviewed articles published since 2020 and 2026. The number of reviewed studies, clinical studies, and experimental studies analyzed was 50 pertinent articles. The qualitative synthesis of data was done in order to evaluate sources of ROS, oxidative damage mechanisms, sperm functionality effects, and antioxidant system role.

Results:
The results showed that oxidative stress was common in a considerable percentage of infertile men and it was closely related to low sperm count motility, morphology and integrity of sperm DNA. Endogenous sources (leukocytes, immature spermatozoa, mitochondrial dysfunction) as well as exogenous factors (smoking, environmental toxins, radiation) led to the rise in the level of ROS. Oxidative stress caused damage to the sperms using lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, protein oxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Protective role was played by antioxidant defense system including enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione) and non-enzyme (vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium). Whereas antioxidant supplementation was associated with a positive change in semen parameters, clinical outcomes were not uniform.

Conclusion:
Oxidative stress is the focus of male infertility as it is a pathogen that disrupts both the structure and the functioning of sperms in various ways. Although the antioxidant therapy is promising, more studies are needed to come up with standardized diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment plans.