Reactive oxygenated species (ROS) in male fertility; source, interaction mechanism and antioxidant therapy

Currently ROS is known as the cause of many diseases and damage to cells and tissues. Many studies have shown that ROS is related to diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, diabetic nephropathy and even processes such as aging and infertility. The studies of the past two decades reveal that low and controlled ROS values in the physiological process of the cell are secondary; while their physiological values is essential for the normal activity of the cell. Studies show that in most cells, the physiological amounts of ROS are produced by NADPH oxidase family enzymes. These enzymes are present in the plasma membrane of the cells, where they increase the production of ROS by connecting them with calcium. ROS in sperm also plays different physiological roles from the time of its production to the time of its emergence with an oocyte, but the pathological effects of its excessive production are also evident. This includes increasing the damage to DNA and increasing sperm apoptosis, which is responsible for including infertility in an important part of interfile men. In the infertility treatment clinics, that their number of clients is increasing every day, sperms find fertilization opportunity with the oocyte in the culture medium; but prior to that, sperm should passes different washing steps. These washing processes increase ROS production. The production of ROS is increased by the method of separating the sperm by centrifuging and then allowing sperm moves to float. This is one of the common methods in infertility treatment centers for sperm washing, while the sperm in washing stages has been deprived of its antioxidant source. Therefore, the use of vitamins either orally or in a sperm medium can increase the chances of fertilization and fertility of infertile individuals by preventing the motility of sperm and preventing their increased mortality and reducing DNA damage. © RJPT All right reserved