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Oxidative stress: Major executioner in disease pathology, role in sperm DNA damage and preventive strategies
1Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in a wide array of diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, complex lifestyle diseases and cancer. OS is caused by an imbalance in production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses in the cell which results in the damage of cellular components, inactivate essential metabolic enzymes and disrupt signal transduction pathways. OS induces peroxidative damage to the sperm plasma membrane, DNA fragmentation in sperm nuclear/mitochondrial genome and causes dysregulation in levels of mRNAs/transcripts. OS induced sperm DNA damage is associated with male infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), congenital malformations and high frequency of childhood disorders. OS induced pathologies are caused by endogenous and exogenous factors, majority of which, are modifiable. Antioxidant supplementation could help in relieving OS, however, its long-term usage may disrupt the intricate oxidation-reduction balance and can lead to "Reductive Stress". Adoption of simple lifestyle interventions may relieve OS and can also aid in its management. This may improve overall quality of life (QOL) and can reduce prevalence of OS induced diseases.
Insights
Oxidative stress (OS) contributes to numerous diseases by damaging cells and DNA, particularly in sperm, impacting fertility and offspring health. Lifestyle changes can manage OS, improving quality of life and reducing disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Oxidative stress (OS) arises from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses.
- This imbalance damages cellular components, enzymes, and signaling pathways, contributing to various diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration.
- In sperm, OS causes membrane damage, DNA fragmentation, and mRNA dysregulation, linked to male infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of oxidative stress in disease pathogenesis.
- To highlight the impact of OS on sperm quality and male reproductive health.
- To discuss the potential of lifestyle interventions and antioxidant supplementation in managing OS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating oxidative stress and its health implications.
- Analysis of the mechanisms by which OS affects cellular function, particularly in sperm.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies including antioxidant use and lifestyle modifications.
Main Results:
- OS is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, lifestyle diseases, and cancer.
- OS-induced sperm DNA damage is associated with male infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and congenital malformations.
- While antioxidants can help, long-term use may cause reductive stress; lifestyle interventions are key for management.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress is a significant factor in a broad range of diseases and male infertility.
- Modifiable endogenous and exogenous factors contribute to OS.
- Lifestyle interventions offer a promising approach to manage OS, improve quality of life, and reduce disease prevalence, though caution is advised with long-term antioxidant supplementation.