Effect of oxidative stress on fertility and therapeutic effect of antioxidants

The imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant system's beneficial role in neutralizing and removing them causes oxidative stress. An overabundance of ROS generates a pathogenic reaction that damages cells and tissues. Natural antioxidant defense mechanisms exist to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals by neutralizing them and mending damaged cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants must coexist in this delicate and challenging equilibrium for healthy cell activity (Pham et al., 2008). ROS are produced as end products when cells use oxygen to survive. A specific level of ROS is necessary for the progression of normal cell processes, which includes reproductive cells and tissue. On the other hand excess levels become pathological, causing DNA damage and even apoptosis