Male infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by epigenetic regulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative stress-induced damage leads to epigenetic modifications, disrupting gene expression crucial for spermatogenesis and fertilization. Paternal exposure to oxidative stress induces transgenerational epigenetic alterations, potentially impacting male fertility in offspring. Mitochondrial dysfunction impairs sperm function, while leukocytospermia exacerbates oxidative stress-related sperm dysfunction. Therefore, this review focuses on understanding these mechanisms as vital for developing preventive strategies, including targeting oxidative stress-induced epigenetic changes and implementing lifestyle modifications to prevent male infertility. This study investigates how oxidative stress affects the epigenome and sperm production, function, and fertilization. Unravelling the molecular pathways provides valuable insights that can advance our scientific understanding. Additionally, these findings have clinical implications and can help to address the significant global health issue of male infertility.
Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.). 2024 Jan 02 [Epub ahead of print]
Gokul Sudhakaran, D Kesavan, Karthikeyan Kandaswamy, Ajay Guru, Jesu Arockiaraj
Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India., Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India., Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India. Electronic address: ., Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India. Electronic address: .