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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:48
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
New insights into sperm physiology and pathology
R John Aitken1, Mark A Baker, Geoffry N De Iuliis
1ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. John.Aitken@newcastle.edu.au
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|September 15, 2010
Summary
Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) impairs sperm function, leading to male infertility. Antioxidant therapy may improve fertility and embryo development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Andrology
- Oxidative stress research
Background:
- Male factor infertility affects 50% of couples experiencing infertility.
- Defective sperm function is a primary cause of male infertility.
- Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to male infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of oxidative stress in defective sperm function.
- To explore the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on sperm capacitation and DNA integrity.
- To highlight the implications for diagnosing and treating male infertility.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ROS production in spermatozoa.
- Assessment of peroxidative damage to sperm plasma membranes.
- Evaluation of DNA strand breakage in the sperm nucleus.
Main Results:
- Excessive ROS production overwhelms antioxidant defenses, causing oxidative stress.
- Oxidative stress damages sperm plasma membranes and nuclear DNA.
- Sperm DNA damage correlates with increased miscarriage and offspring morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress significantly disrupts sperm fertilizing potential and embryo development.
- Antioxidant therapy presents a promising treatment strategy for male infertility.
- Understanding oxidative stress mechanisms may inform novel male contraception development.
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