Impact of Oxidative Stress on Male Reproduction in Domestic and Wild Animals

Abstract

Oxidative stress occurs when the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overcome the antioxidant defenses of the organism, jeopardizing several biological functions, including reproduction. In the male reproductive system, oxidative stress not only impairs sperm fertility but also compromises offspring health and survival, inducing oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Although a clear link between oxidative stress and male fertility disorders has been demonstrated in humans and laboratory rodents, little information is available about the implications of impaired redox homeostasis in the male fertility of domestic and wild animals. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update regarding the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that are associated with oxidative stress in the male reproductive system and their impact on the reproductive performance of domestic and wild animals. The most recent strategies for palliating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on male fertility are reviewed together with their potential economic and ecological implications in the livestock industry and biodiversity conservation.

Cordycepin mitigates spermatogenic and redox related expression in H 2 O 2 -exposed Leydig cells and regulates testicular oxidative apoptotic signalling in aged rats

“…Mounting evidence suggests H 2 O 2 as one of the major ROS generating chemical attacking several components of cells such as proteins, lipids and DNA causing potential oxidative insults (Shi et al. 2018 ; Pintus and Ros-Santaella 2021 ). H 2 O 2 produced excessive reactive hydroxyl radicals are cytotoxic causing sperm kinematic alternations such as declined motility, progression and reduced spermatozoa energy metabolism (Shi et al.…”

“…It is well documented that exogenous treatment of H 2 O 2 has been shown to increase intracellular ROS levels in male reproductive cells (Shi et al. 2018 ; Pintus and Ros-Santaella 2021 ). Further, the mouse TM3 Leydig cell lines were well used as a valuable in vitro model to study the spermatogenic parameters induced by various cytotoxins including H 2 O 2 (Ding et al.…”

The Impact of Bacteriocenoses on Sperm Vitality, Immunological and Oxidative Characteristics of Ram Ejaculates: Does the Breed Play a Role?

“…Furthermore, a greater proportion of spermatozoa with alterations to the membranous structures and morphological defects has been found in ejaculates contaminated with bacteria [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. At the same time, it has been reported that bacteriospermia may induce an imbalance in the seminal oxidative balance, by accelerating reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction [ 13 ], an excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and subsequent damage to the sperm structures crucial for the male gamete to reach the oocyte and successfully accomplish fertilization [ 10 , 14 ]. Ultimately, bacteriospermia may be responsible for reduced shelf life of extended or cryopreserved semen samples [ 15 ].…”

α-Tocopherol Prevents Sperm Apoptosis and Necrosis in Rats Exposed to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

“…An increase in MDA levels and a decrease in SOD indicated oxidative stress followed by cell death mechanisms, such as apoptosis or necrosis [ 53 ]. Administration of α -tocopherol started from a dose of 77 and 140 mg per kg BW, returning MDA levels and SOD activity to those of normal rats.…”