Impact of Oxidative stress on Infertility, with emphasis on infertility management strategies

Abstract

Oxidative stress (OS) is a state of imbalance between pro-oxidants (Reactive Oxygen species and Reactive Nitrogen species) and antioxidant defences. It plays a pivotal role in infertility issues (paternal as well as maternal). As such different reproductive diseases such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, unexplained infertility, Impairment of Spermatozoa, Sperm Dysfunction and Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF), are caused, which destroys the process of reproduction. Several pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, recurrent respiratory loss (RPL), preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), are also associated to OS. It is well established that factors such as obesity, malnutrition, life style factors – smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs, environmental and occupational exposures – pesticides and endocrine disrupting chemicals, EDCs, hampers the reproductive process by setting up OS. Thus, as an infertility management strategy, procedures such as antioxidant supplementation and Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART), are to be undertaken. There is also a wide scope for research in the fi eld of EDCs linked to oxidative stress, which can be a hope to further elucidate the path of reproduction.