Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced sperm dysfunction
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in male infertility by impairing sperm function through various molecular mechanisms. This review explores the impact of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) on spermatozoa, particularly focusing on lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and protein oxidation...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-02-01
|
| Series: | Frontiers in Endocrinology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1520835/full |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1832540339948224512 |
|---|---|
| author | Yutao Wang Xun Fu Hongjun Li |
| author_facet | Yutao Wang Xun Fu Hongjun Li |
| author_sort | Yutao Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in male infertility by impairing sperm function through various molecular mechanisms. This review explores the impact of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) on spermatozoa, particularly focusing on lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and protein oxidation. Lipid peroxidation damages sperm membranes, reducing fluidity and motility. ROS-induced DNA fragmentation compromises genetic integrity, potentially leading to infertility and adverse offspring outcomes. Protein oxidation alters key structural proteins, impairing sperm motility and the ability to fertilize an egg. The primary sources of oxidative stress in sperm include leukocyte activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and environmental factors such as smoking and pollution. Despite the presence of natural antioxidant defenses, spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable due to limited repair mechanisms. The review highlights the importance of early intervention through antioxidant therapies and lifestyle changes to mitigate the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on male fertility. Further research is essential to enhance therapeutic approaches and improve reproductive outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a4fb2bcfcec64ca2b9bef1362c4bf57d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-2392 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Endocrinology |
| spelling | doaj-art-a4fb2bcfcec64ca2b9bef1362c4bf57d2025-02-05T05:17:49ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Endocrinology1664-23922025-02-011610.3389/fendo.2025.15208351520835Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced sperm dysfunctionYutao WangXun FuHongjun LiOxidative stress plays a pivotal role in male infertility by impairing sperm function through various molecular mechanisms. This review explores the impact of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) on spermatozoa, particularly focusing on lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and protein oxidation. Lipid peroxidation damages sperm membranes, reducing fluidity and motility. ROS-induced DNA fragmentation compromises genetic integrity, potentially leading to infertility and adverse offspring outcomes. Protein oxidation alters key structural proteins, impairing sperm motility and the ability to fertilize an egg. The primary sources of oxidative stress in sperm include leukocyte activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and environmental factors such as smoking and pollution. Despite the presence of natural antioxidant defenses, spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable due to limited repair mechanisms. The review highlights the importance of early intervention through antioxidant therapies and lifestyle changes to mitigate the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on male fertility. Further research is essential to enhance therapeutic approaches and improve reproductive outcomes.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1520835/fulloxidative stresssperm dysfunctionreactive oxygen speciesDNA fragmentation and male infertilitymale infertility |
| spellingShingle | Yutao Wang Xun Fu Hongjun Li Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced sperm dysfunction Frontiers in Endocrinology oxidative stress sperm dysfunction reactive oxygen species DNA fragmentation and male infertility male infertility |
| title | Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced sperm dysfunction |
| title_full | Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced sperm dysfunction |
| title_fullStr | Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced sperm dysfunction |
| title_full_unstemmed | Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced sperm dysfunction |
| title_short | Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced sperm dysfunction |
| title_sort | mechanisms of oxidative stress induced sperm dysfunction |
| topic | oxidative stress sperm dysfunction reactive oxygen species DNA fragmentation and male infertility male infertility |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1520835/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT yutaowang mechanismsofoxidativestressinducedspermdysfunction AT xunfu mechanismsofoxidativestressinducedspermdysfunction AT hongjunli mechanismsofoxidativestressinducedspermdysfunction |