Medicina Fluminensis, Vol. 61 No. 2, 2025.
Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2025_330050
The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Etiology of Male Infertility
Romano Oguić
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinika za urologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska; Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet, Katedra za urologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
*
Marija Gasparović
; Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet, Katedra za urologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Dean Markić
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinika za urologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Ivan Vukelić
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinika za urologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Ivan Marin Sušanj
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinika za urologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Infertility affects 10-15% of couples, with male factors accounting for 30% of cases. Oxidative stress, a disruption in redox balance leading to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a significant contributor to male infertility. ROS play crucial physiological roles, such as sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and oocyte fusion, but excessive ROS levels cause damage, including lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis. ROS are generated in spermatogenic cells, as byproducts of aerobic metabolism, and in leukocytes with peroxidase activity. Conditions like varicocele, infections, diabetes, alcoholism, and obesity, along with smoking, toxin exposure, and phthalates, exacerbate oxidative stress. Iatrogenic factors, including assisted reproduction techniques, cryopreservation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, further increase the risk. Defense against oxidative stress is provided by antioxidants, which neutralize ROS. Enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, are found in sperm and seminal fluid. Non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, zinc, and selenium, are obtained through diet. Antioxidant deficiency due to poor nutrition heightens the risk of oxidative stress, making a balanced diet essential for fertility. Preventive strategies include reducing exposure to risk factors and, in selected cases, the use of antioxidant supplements.
Ključne riječi
antioxidants; oxidative stress; reactive oxygen species; varicocele
Hrčak ID:
330050
URI
Datum izdavanja:
1.6.2025.
Posjeta: 773 *