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Sperm Oxidative Stress during In Vitro Manipulation and Its Effects on Sperm Function and Embryo Development
Roberto Gualtieri1, Guruprasad Kalthur2, Vincenza Barbato1
1Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 2, 2021
Summary
Oxidative stress (OS) in sperm, caused by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), impairs sperm function and embryo development. This review explores strategies to mitigate iatrogenic ROS damage during assisted reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitochondrial respiration generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) crucial for sperm signaling.
- Oxidative stress (OS) occurs when ROS overwhelms antioxidant capacity, leading to cellular damage.
- Physiological ROS regulates key sperm functions like motility, capacitation, and fertilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of in vitro sperm OS on sperm function and embryo development.
- To explore methods for reducing iatrogenic ROS damage in assisted reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on sperm OS in human and animal models.
- Analysis of the effects of OS on sperm parameters and fertilization outcomes.
- Evaluation of proposed interventions to mitigate ROS-induced damage.
Main Results:
- OS negatively affects sperm motility, integrity, and DNA, impacting fertility.
- In vitro procedures can induce iatrogenic ROS production, harming sperm function.
- Animal studies demonstrate adverse effects of sperm OS on fertilization and embryo development.
Conclusions:
- Sperm OS poses a significant threat to reproductive potential, particularly in assisted reproduction.
- Mitigating iatrogenic ROS is crucial for improving outcomes in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the association between sperm OS and human ART success rates.
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