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Free Radicals in Andrology

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Antioxidants in Andrology

Part of the book series: Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine ((TASM))

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive oxidizing agents that, at physiologic levels, play an essential role in the health and well-being of aerobic organisms. When supraphysiological levels of ROS are produced or when the cells’ antioxidant defense mechanisms fail, a state of oxidative stress (OS) ensues. Immature sperm cells and leukocytes are the principal sources of ROS in seminal fluid. OS has been recognized as an important factor in the pathophysiology of male infertility as it can enhance sperm apoptosis, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and DNA fragmentation. Several assays that can directly or indirectly measure the amount of ROS in seminal fluid have been developed and should be considered during male fertility assessment. Once detected, OS should be properly managed through lifestyle modification, elimination of potential sources of ROS production, and oral antioxidant supplementation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Ashok Agarwal PhD, HCLD & Ahmad Majzoub MD

  2. Lerner College of Medicine, Andrology Center and American Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Desk X11, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Ashok Agarwal PhD, HCLD

Authors
  1. Ashok Agarwal PhD, HCLD
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  2. Ahmad Majzoub MD
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Correspondence to Ashok Agarwal PhD, HCLD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrinology Department, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy

    Giancarlo Balercia

  2. Department of Experimental Medicine Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Loredana Gandini

  3. Department of Experimental Medicine Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Andrea Lenzi

  4. Department of Experimental Medicine Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Francesco Lombardo

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Agarwal, A., Majzoub, A. (2017). Free Radicals in Andrology. In: Balercia, G., Gandini, L., Lenzi, A., Lombardo, F. (eds) Antioxidants in Andrology. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41749-3_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41749-3_1

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