The effect of oxidative stress on spermatozoa

Abstract

Free radicals are atoms, molecules or ions with unpaired electrons. As they have unpaired electron, they try to attack biomolecules and steal electrons to be paired and stable. Thus, free radicals are highly reactive. The objective of this literature survey is to find out the way of synthesis of body free radicals and their effect on spermatozoa. the information regarding the topic was gathered by searching the relevant data bases during the period of December 2023 to March 2024. Free radicals are produced in normal body metabolic mechanisms such as ATP synthesis and phagocytosis in macrophage. In addition, they are generated due to exposure the body to environmental factors such as radiations, pollutants, smokes. Ingestion of certain medications and foods also create free radicals in the body. Free radicals have both beneficial and adverse effects. Thus, the regulation of body free radical level is a must. Antioxidants are the molecules which neutralize free radicals. This includes a system of enzymes, vitamins and biomolecules which capable of breakdown of free radicals or neutralizing them by donating electrons. When free radical level exceeds its reference level, imbalance of free radical is occurred and the condition is known as oxidative stress. This is harmful to the body tissues as free radicles damage them. Oxidative stress can cause damage to spermatozoa also. They attack unsaturated fatty acids of the plasma membrane of sperm cells. Further, radicals attack nitrogen bases of DNA, hence fragmatization of DNA. Thus, sperm cells get destroyed and altered morphologically. The mortality of the cells is also reduced. These all may cause male infertility. Anyway, free radicals cause stimulation of acrosome rection of sperm which required for the fertilization of sperm with eggs/ovum. Finally, the outcome of the review study could be considered as a platform for launching for further studies on the topic and to consider the management of oxidative stress with regard to male fertility.