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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Apoptosis and DNA damage in human spermatozoa
R John Aitken1, Adam J Koppers
1ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. john.aitken@newcastle.edu.au
Asian Journal of Andrology
|August 31, 2010
Summary
Oxidative stress causes DNA damage in sperm, impairing fertility and increasing risks for offspring. Antioxidants may help treat this condition and indicate overall systemic oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and oxidative stress research.
Background:
- Sperm DNA damage is common in subfertile males, linked to poor fertilization, miscarriage, and offspring health issues.
- Oxidative base adducts and impaired spermiogenesis are key factors in sperm DNA fragmentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of oxidative stress in sperm DNA damage and its impact on spermiogenesis.
- To explore the potential of antioxidants in managing sperm DNA damage.
Main Methods:
- The study examines the correlation between oxidative stress markers and sperm DNA fragmentation.
- It investigates the apoptotic pathway in defective sperm cells and its contribution to DNA damage.
Main Results:
- Oxidative stress impedes spermiogenesis, leading to poorly remodeled sperm chromatin.
- Apoptotic pathways in defective sperm activate free radical generation, causing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.
- The physical structure of sperm limits nuclease access, suggesting oxidative damage is primary.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress is a major contributor to DNA damage in human spermatozoa.
- Antioxidant therapy holds promise for treating sperm DNA damage.
- Sperm oxidative DNA damage may serve as a biomarker for systemic oxidative stress.
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