Oxidative Stress Factors is Effective on Reproductive Functions: A Review

Abstract

Oxidative stress (OS) results from an imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, leading to cellular damage, caused by excess ROS. OS is mediated by free radicals, such as ROS or reactive nitrogen species produced during physiological aerobic metabolism and pathological inflammatory processes. OS causes damage to cellular components, inactivation of essential metabolic enzymes and disruption of signal transduction pathways. OS has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of subfertility in both men and women. OS has been associated with a number of reproductive diseases such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and unexplained infertility. Pregnancy complications, such as spontaneous abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss and pre-eclampsia may also develop in response to OS. Antioxidant supplementation may be effective in controlling ROS production and continues to be explored as an option to overcome reproductive disorders associated with infertility.