Reactive oxygen species in male infertility - Review of literature and personal observations

Reactive oxygen species, highly reactive molecules derived from the metabol ism of oxygen, play an important role in the metabolism of spermatozoa, rel ated to the hyperactivated motility and acrosome reaction, Various studies have demonstrated that these molecules, because of their reactivity, can in duce peroxidative damage on the cell, especially on the lipid membranes. Th e spermatozoa, owing to their structure, appear to be very sensitive to the oxidative insult. Various experimental data sustain the hypothesis that, w hen produced in high amounts, reactive oxygen species can induce sperm dama ge and become potentially responsible for some forms of unexplained inferti lity, The cells possess various mechanisms of defense against the oxidative insult, mainly due to antioxidant molecules. An antioxidant treatment can produce an improvement in seminal parameters and sperm function itt vitro, and represents a possible form of care for selected forms of infertility.