Testicular Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapies in Male Infertility: An Evidence-Based Review

S, Bharath; A S, VICKRAM; C, Prasanth; D, Jenila Rani; B, Bhavani Sowndharya

doi:10.21608/bmfj.2025.400353.2519

Testicular Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapies in Male Infertility: An Evidence-Based Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 602105, India

² Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences

10.21608/bmfj.2025.400353.2519

Abstract

Male infertility accounts for almost half of infertility cases among couples globally. One of the primary reasons for decreased male reproductive function is oxidative stress (OS), which occurs when the body's antioxidant defense systems are overwhelmed by the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An excess of ROS can harm sperm quality and reproductive capacity by causing lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial malfunction, and sperm DNA breakage, even while healthy ROS levels define optimal sperm activity. Testicular tissue is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high metabolism and the high quantity of polyunsaturated lipids in sperm membranes. Numerous internal and external variables, including varicocele, infections, environmental contaminants, aging, and bad lifestyle choices, can accelerate the generation of ROS and overwhelm the testicular antioxidant system. The pathophysiological implications of testicles' oxidative stress on male fertility are addressed in this review, which also critically explores the fundamental sources and mechanisms of this stress. The laboratory procedures and diagnostic indications are now being applied to detect oxidative stress in the sperm. The focus is on antioxidant-based treatment options, which include both new and possibly helpful chemicals as well as established supplements like vitamins C and E, Coenzyme Q 10, carnitines, and N-acetylcysteine. This review supports a personalized strategy to antioxidant therapy as a viable adjuvant in the treatment of male infertility and underlines the importance of large-scale, properly planned trials.

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