Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Effects on Sperm Function
Summary
Oxidative stress arises when the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the capacity of intrinsic antioxidant defences, leading to molecular damage within spermatozoa. Key targets include membrane lipids, mitochondrial proteins and DNA, with consequences for motility, viability, acrosome integrity and fertilisation potential. The specialised architecture of spermatozoa—characterised by a condensed nucleus, limited cytoplasm and high polyunsaturated fatty acid content—renders them particularly vulnerable to peroxidative insults. Mitochondrial dysfunction under oxidative challenge impairs ATP production and disrupts the membrane potential that drives flagellar movement. Moreover, lipid peroxidation undermines membrane fluidity, while oxidative DNA fragmentation may compromise genetic integrity, with downstream effects on embryo development and offspring health. Exogenous antioxidants, ranging from small molecules such as polyphenols to complex delivery vehicles including nanoemulsions and liposomal carriers, have been investigated to restore redox balance. Such interventions may stabilise mitochondrial function, preserve membrane structures and attenuate ROS‐mediated damage during both routine handling and cryopreservation. Globally, this body of research holds relevance not only for addressing human infertility but also for enhancing reproductive efficiency in livestock, conserving endangered species and refining assisted reproductive technologies.
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Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Effects on Sperm Function publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in oxidative stress and antioxidant effects on sperm function across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules derived from oxygen that can damage cellular components if not regulated.
Lipid peroxidation: Oxidative degradation of membrane lipids leading to loss of fluidity and cellular injury.
Mitochondrial membrane potential: Electrochemical gradient across mitochondrial membranes essential for ATP synthesis and motility.
Cryopreservation: Preservation of cells or tissues at sub‐zero temperatures to arrest metabolic activity and maintain viability.
Capacitation: Biochemical maturation process enabling sperm to fertilise an oocyte, involving membrane and signalling modifications.
References
- Mitochondria-Stimulating and Antioxidant Effects of Slovak Propolis Varieties on Bovine Spermatozoa. Oxygen (2023).
- Advancements in Understanding and Enhancing Antioxidant-Mediated Sperm Cryopreservation in Small Ruminants: Challenges and Perspectives. Antioxidants (2024).
- In Vitro Effects of Charged and Zwitterionic Liposomes on Human Spermatozoa and Supplementation with Liposomes and Chlorogenic Acid during Sperm Freezing. Cells (2024).
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