ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress (OS) results from elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overpassing the antioxidant defenses. OS is the most frequent cause of functional loss of DNA in spermatozoa, and there is a high correlation between OS and DNA fragmentation (DF). High levels of DNA damage in sperm are correlated with male infertility, embryonic development disorders, and high rates of miscarriage. DNA damage has been associated with pathological conditions such as varicocele and obesity and lifestyle issues like smoking, exposure to xenobiotics, toxic metals, heat, and mobile phone radiation. Aging and antioxidant depletion have also been linked to elevated levels of sperm ROS and DNA damage. Considering that OS plays an important role in sperm DNA damage and infertility, it is becoming increasingly important to address research into the role of antioxidants in vitro and in vivo in order to protect spermatozoa against such oxidative damage and thus improve their fertilization potential.
