Reactive oxygen species and their role in the andrological factor of couple fertility

Czech version

Authors: P. Turčan ¹; P. Pokorný ²; P. Kepič ¹; J. Hambálek ¹; P. Entnerová ¹; J. Kvintová ³; M. Sigmund ⁴; E. Jurásková Sedlatá ⁵; Tomáš Fait ^6,7
Authors‘ workplace: Centrum MEDIOL s. r. o., ordinace sexuologie a andrologie, Olomouc ¹; Centrum MEDIOL s. r. o., Partnerská a rodinná poradna, Olomouc ²; Katedra psychologie a patopsychologie, Pedagogická fakulta, UP Olomouc ³; Aplikační centrum BALUO, Fakulta tělesné kultury, UP Olomouc ⁴; Klinika zubního lékařství, LF UP v Olomouci ⁵; Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika, 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha ⁶; Katedra zdravotnických studií, Vysoká škola polytechnická, Jihlava ⁷
Published in: Ceska Gynekol 2024; 89(2): 139-143
Category:
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccg2024139

Overview

Reactive oxygen species play a significant role in male fertility and infertility. They are essential for physiological processes, but when their concentration becomes excessive, they can be a cause of various sperm pathologies. Seminal leukocytes and pathologically abnormal sperm are the primary sources of oxygen radicals in ejaculate. They negatively affect sperm quality, including DNA fragmentation and sperm motility impairment. Addressing increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species involves various appropriate lifestyle modifications and measures, including the use of antioxidants, treatment of urogenital infections, management of varicocele, weight reduction, and others. In many cases, these interventions can lead to adjustments in the condition and improvement in sperm quality. Such improvements can subsequently lead to enhanced outcomes in assisted reproduction or even an increased likelihood of natural conception. In some instances, the need for donor sperm may be eliminated. However, a key factor is adhering to a sufficiently prolonged treatment, which requires patience on the part of both, the physician and the patient.

Keywords:

infertility – DNA fragmentation – Male infertility – reactive oxygen species – spermatocytes pathology

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ORCID autorů

P. Turčan 0009-0007-4587-0754

J. Kvintová 0000-0003-0014-1666

M. Sigmund 0000-0002-1612-3510

E. Jurásková Sedlatá 0000-0002-6616-6957

T. Fait 0000-0002-2812-9274

Doručeno/Submitted: 21. 9. 2023

Přijato/Accepted: 20. 10. 2023

MUDr. Pavel Turčan, Ph.D., FECSM

Centrum MEDIOL s. r. o.

Ordinace sexuologie a andrologie

Na Šibeníku 212/26