MALE FACTOR INFERTILITY, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND PHYTOCHEMICALS: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract: Excessive production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the testes has been a major contributory factor to the infertility. Oxidative stress has attracted enormous interest in researchers in recent past. Reactive oxygen species are continuously formed in the cells by various metabolic & physiological processes. Oxidative stress is result of imbalance between ROS level & label of antioxidants in the body which can lead to sperm DNA damage, in viability, deformity and eventually infertility, however many evidences demonstrate sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction are associated with extracellular production of superoxide anions. Apart from self-defense antioxidant system against ROS, recent research provided some strong evidence of consuming dietary supplement containing polyphenols, flavonoids etc.This article reviews production of ROS, impact of oxidative stress on sperm physiology & antioxidant strategies to reduce oxidative stress