Oxidative stress and fertility: incorrect assumptions and ineffective solutions?
One of the most important concerns in assisted reproduction (ART), and in particular ICSI, is the quality of sperm DNA. Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of damage to DNA and attempting to reduce generation of DNA damage related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) through consumption of antioxidants is often tempting. However, current antioxidant treatments, given irrespectively of clinically quantified deficiencies, are poorly efficient, potentially detrimental and over-exposure is risky. Here we discuss new treatments in relation to present day concepts on oxidative stress. This discussion includes stimulation of endogenous anti-ROS defense i.e. glutathione synthesis and recycling of homocysteine, the epicentre of multiple ROS-linked pathologies.
UNILABS, Laboratoire Dynabio, Polyclinique du Cotentin, 50120 Equeurdreville, France.
Yves
Y
Ménézo
UNILABS, Laboratoire Dynabio, Polyclinique du Cotentin, 50120 Equeurdreville, France.
Frida
F
Entezami
UNILABS, Laboratoire d'Eylau, 55 Rue St Didier, Paris, France.
Isabelle
I
Lichtblau
UNILABS, Laboratoire d'Eylau, 55 Rue St Didier, Paris, France.
Stephanie
S
Belloc
PROCRELYS, 28 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France.
Marc
M
Cohen
Centre for Assisted Fertilization, Naples, 80123, Italy.
Brian
B
Dale
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*
D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species