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Oxidative stress: Major executioner in disease pathology, role in sperm DNA damage and preventive strategies

Shilpa Bisht1, Rima Dada2

  • 1Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition)
|April 15, 2017
PubMed

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.

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