title: An Update on Oxidative Damage to Spermatozoa and Oocytes.
abstract: On the one hand, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are mandatory mediators for essential cellular functions including the function of germ cells (oocytes and spermatozoa) and thereby the fertilization process. However, the exposure of these cells to excessive levels of oxidative stress by too high levels of ROS or too low levels of antioxidative protection will render these cells dysfunctional thereby failing the fertilization process and causing couples to be infertile. Numerous causes are responsible for the delicate bodily redox system being out of balance and causing disease and infertility. Many of these causes are modifiable such as lifestyle factors like obesity, poor nutrition, heat stress, smoking, or alcohol abuse. Possible correctable measures include foremost lifestyle changes, but also supplementation with antioxidants to scavenge excessive ROS. However, this should only be done after careful examination of the patient and establishment of the individual bodily antioxidant needs. In addition, other corrective measures include sperm separation for assisted reproductive techniques. However, these techniques have to be carried out very carefully as they, if applied wrongly, bear risks of generating ROS damaging the germ cells and preventing fertilization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7530, South Africa.
authors.forename: Chinyerum S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Opuwari
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7530, South Africa.
authors.forename: Ralf R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Henkel
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species