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Contemporary evidence on the physiological role of reactive oxygen species in human sperm function

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Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in male fertility. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been associated with a variety of male fertility complications, including leukocytospermia, varicocele and idiopathic infertility. The subsequent oxidative insult to spermatozoa can manifest as insufficient energy metabolism, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, leading to loss of motility and viability. However, various studies have demonstrated that physiological amounts of ROS play important roles in the processes of spermatozoa maturation, capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. It is therefore crucial to define and understand the delicate oxidative balance in male reproductive cells and tissues for a better understanding of both positive as well as negative impact of ROS production on the fertilizing ability. This review will discuss the specific physiological roles, mechanisms of action and effects that ROS have on the acquisition of structural integrity and physiological activity of spermatozoa.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the financial support from the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

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The authors declare that they have no relevant financial or competing interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Mail Code X-11, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Stefan S. Du Plessis, Ashok Agarwal, Jacques Halabi & Eva Tvrda

  2. Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa

    Stefan S. Du Plessis

  3. Department of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia

    Eva Tvrda

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  1. Stefan S. Du Plessis
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  2. Ashok Agarwal
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  3. Jacques Halabi
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Correspondence to Ashok Agarwal.

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Capsule This review discusses specific roles, mechanisms of action, and effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the acquisition of structural and physiological properties of mammalian spermatozoa.

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Du Plessis, S.S., Agarwal, A., Halabi, J. et al. Contemporary evidence on the physiological role of reactive oxygen species in human sperm function. J Assist Reprod Genet 32, 509–520 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0425-7

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