Oxidative Stress Biomarkers as Predictors of Male Infertility: A Comprehensive Review

Punith Kumar Reddy V, Mulugu Apurva Nandini, Osman Basha Pinjari

Abstract: Male infertility, a global health challenge affecting millions of couples, is significantly influenced by oxidative stress an imbalance between excessive reactive oxygen species production and insufficient antioxidant defenses. While physiological levels of these reactive molecules are vital for essential sperm functions like capacitation and fertilization, supraphysiological concentrations are profoundly detrimental. Spermatozoa are uniquely vulnerable to oxidative attack due to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and limited cytoplasmic antioxidant capacity, which predisposes them to severe damage. This oxidative imbalance manifests as lipid peroxidation, compromising sperm membrane integrity and motility; DNA damage and fragmentation, jeopardizing genetic information; protein oxidation, impairing structural and enzymatic functions; mitochondrial dysfunction, depleting energy reserves and promoting cell death; and adverse epigenetic modifications, potentially affecting transgenerational health. Understanding these intricate molecular mechanisms is crucial for advancing diagnostic precision and developing targeted therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on oxidative stress in male infertility, categorizing key biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, antioxidant status, and overall redox balance. It critically evaluates their diagnostic utility, from established assays to innovative tools like the MiOXSYS System, and explores emerging proteomic, genomic, and RNA-based biomarkers. Furthermore, the review analyzes current therapeutic strategies, particularly antioxidant supplementation, discussing its proposed benefits, existing limitations, and future directions towards personalized medicine. Ultimately, this work highlights critical knowledge gaps, advocates for standardized diagnostic approaches, and calls for mechanism-based interventions to improve outcomes for individuals affected by oxidative stress-related male infertility.

Keywords: Male infertility, Reactive Oxygen Species, Oxidative stress, polyunsaturated fatty acids, DNA damage

How to Cite?: Punith Kumar Reddy V, Mulugu Apurva Nandini, Osman Basha Pinjari, "Oxidative Stress Biomarkers as Predictors of Male Infertility: A Comprehensive Review", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2402-2412, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251230145729, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251230145729