Antioxidants and Male Infertility

The role of free radicals is important both in normal functioning and disease processes of human spermatozoa. Human sperm is very much vulnerable to free radicals as their covering contains PUFA (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid). PUFA is readily destroyed by the existing peroxides. Therefore, high level of free radicals in our body can lead to infertility in men.
Normally, the semen is surrounded by several anti-oxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and reductase besides quite a few non-enzymatic antioxidants like alpha-tocopherol, ascorbate and urate. They help the sperm in neutralizing the damage caused by the free radicals. If there is excess production of free radicals (oxidative stress) in our body due to any reason, they can overwhelm the power to neutralize by the antioxidants. This is recognized as a primary cause for male infertility. In these cases, the main factor for infertility is recognized as over activity of free radicals rather than lowered action of antioxidants.
In a recent study involving 1997 male patients having primary infertility, it was observed that addition of anti-oxidants in the form of beta-carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E with the normal medication has improved the rate of conception by their female counterpart. The physiological parameters of spermatozoa have been improved.
Therefore, as a conclusion, it can be stated that spermatozoa are unable to withstand the oxidative stress and can cause male infertility. Adding antioxidants in conjunction with the normal mode of treatment is recommended.
Normally, the semen is surrounded by several anti-oxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and reductase besides quite a few non-enzymatic antioxidants like alpha-tocopherol, ascorbate and urate. They help the sperm in neutralizing the damage caused by the free radicals. If there is excess production of free radicals (oxidative stress) in our body due to any reason, they can overwhelm the power to neutralize by the antioxidants. This is recognized as a primary cause for male infertility. In these cases, the main factor for infertility is recognized as over activity of free radicals rather than lowered action of antioxidants.
In a recent study involving 1997 male patients having primary infertility, it was observed that addition of anti-oxidants in the form of beta-carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E with the normal medication has improved the rate of conception by their female counterpart. The physiological parameters of spermatozoa have been improved.
Therefore, as a conclusion, it can be stated that spermatozoa are unable to withstand the oxidative stress and can cause male infertility. Adding antioxidants in conjunction with the normal mode of treatment is recommended.

Dr. Anupam Biswas is running his personal blog medicinman.blogspot.com for quite some time. You will find all recent news in medical field here .

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