Unraveling the Impact of Oxidative Stress on Sperm Quality

A substantial body of scientific research has identified oxidative stress (OS) as a main culprit in the development of male infertility. OS is mediated by free radicals, which can result from lifestyle, environmental factors, endocrine imbalances, and infection (Skoracka et al., 2020). Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron in their outer shell, making them highly reactive and prone to causing OS damage to other molecules in the body (Łakoma et al., 2023). Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to their lack of robust cytoplasmic enzyme systems that repair damaged DNA (Saleh & Agarwal, 2002). This vulnerability makes spermatozoa prime targets for OS-induced damage, which can lead to endangerment of a fertilized oocyte and increased risk for miscarriage, abnormal development, and perinatal mortality. Given the critical role of OS in male infertility, this literature review aims to explore its effects on sperm quality and examine possible strategies to minimize OS-induced damage.