Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for certain erotic sperm functions, including capacitation and acrosome reaction. However, excessive ROS can cause lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation.
Elevated oxidative stress is associated with smoking, environmental toxins, infection, obesity, and varicocele. Sperm DNA fragmentation may negatively impact fertilization rates and embryo development.
Therapeutic strategies include lifestyle modification, antioxidant supplementation, and correction of underlying pathology.
Optimizing oxidative balance is fundamental for improving reproductive outcomes.
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