The Role of Seminal Oxidative Stress Scavenging System in the Pathogenesis of Sperm DNA Damage in Men Exposed and Not Exposed to Genital Heat Stress

Abstract

Responding to the need for the verification of some experimental animal studies showing the involvement of oxidative stress in germ cell damage in the heat-induced testis, we investigated the possibility of a direct relationship between seminal oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and malondialdehyde concentration) and ejaculated sperm chromatin/DNA integrity (DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation abnormalities) in distinct groups of men exposed and not exposed to prolonged scrotal hyperthermia. A statistical increase in the proportion of sperm with DNA fragmentation was observed in all the studied subgroups compared to the fertile men. In turn, the groups subjected to heat stress as professional drivers or infertile men with varicocele presented greater disturbances in the oxidative stress scavenging system than men not exposed to genital heat stress. Based on the comparative analysis of the studied parameters, we can conclude that alterations in the seminal oxidative stress scavenging system are directly engaged in the pathogenesis of ejaculated sperm DNA damage regardless of the intensity of the impact of thermal insult. To the best of our knowledge, this study, for the first time, revealed the co-existence of oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage in the semen of professional drivers.

Male Infertility Coexists with Decreased Sperm Genomic Integrity and Oxidative Stress in Semen Irrespective of Leukocytospermia

“…Furthermore, we can assume that in the semen of infertile men without leukocytospermia, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antioxidant enzymes, and molecule activity are decreased. An association between male infertility, the level of TAC, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes and molecules (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione) was confirmed [ 10 , 46 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 ].…”

Global warming and testis function: A challenging crosstalk in an equally challenging environmental scenario

“…In general, wet testis hyperthermia has a reversible negative effect on sperm motility ( Shefi et al, 2007 ). In a very recent study, Fraczek et al evaluated sperm parameters, sperm DNA integrity, and major markers of oxidative stress, in subjects who voluntarily underwent a semen test and completed a lifestyle questionnaire ( Fraczek et al, 2022 ). Compared to controls, study participants reporting prolonged genital heat stress, namely, professional drivers and infertile men with varicocele, showed that the total sperm antioxidant capacity was reduced ( Fraczek et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Compared to controls, study participants reporting prolonged genital heat stress, namely, professional drivers and infertile men with varicocele, showed that the total sperm antioxidant capacity was reduced ( Fraczek et al, 2022 ). On the other hand, the catalase activity and sperm DNA fragmentation both increased ( Fraczek et al, 2022 ).…”

The magnetic cell separation method reveals protective effect of melatonin on human spermatozoa from peroxide-induced apoptosis

“…Oxidative stress is the main reason of sperm DNA fragmentation, which is caused by endogenous and exogenous factors. Although sperm function requires proper reduction and oxidative balance, antioxidants play a protective role in reducing oxidative stress [1][2][3]. Researchers have found that reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide, are normal by-products in various metabolic and physiological processes, but excessive production can lead to oxidative stress [4,5].…”