Oxidative Stress Induced by Air Pollutants and Its Role in Testicular Dysfunction

Male infertility is an increasing global health concern with multifactorial origins. Recent evidence highlights air pollution as a key environmental risk factor affecting male reproductive health. This review synthesises studies from 2020 to 2026 on how airborne pollutants including particulate matter, gaseous compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and microplastics induce oxidative stress and impair testicular function. Oxidative damage emerges as a central mechanism driving mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, antioxidant depletion and DNA damage. Epidemiological findings consistently link higher pollutant exposure to reduced sperm quality including count, motility, morphology and genetic integrity. Experimental studies further demonstrate disruption of the blood-testis barrier, apoptosis of germ cells, hormonal imbalance and impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Despite strong mechanistic insights, gaps remain in dose-response relationships, pollutant interactions and long-term reproductive outcomes. This review emphasises the need for integrated strategies combining pollution control, clinical monitoring and antioxidant interventions to mitigate reproductive risks.