From Inflammation to Infertility: How Oxidative Stress and Infections Disrupt Male Reproductive Health.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Inflammation, infections, and oxidative stress (OS) all have an impact on male infertility, which is a complicated, multifaceted illness. OS affects motility and fertilization capability. It accomplishes this through damaging sperm DNA, oxidizing proteins, and triggering lipid peroxidation. These effects occur due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses.

METHODS

This review aims to evaluate the impact of oxidative stress and inflammation on male infertility by assessing recent literature.

RESULTS

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, like TNF-α and IL-6, interfere with spermatogenesis and promote oxidative damage. Additionally, infections caused by pathogens like Escherichia coli and Chlamydia trachomatis alter the reproductive microenvironment, leading to sperm dysfunction and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection and targeted treatment are essential due to the intricate interactions among these elements. Microbiota-modulating techniques, antimicrobial therapies, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antioxidants are therapeutic approaches that may help reduce oxidative damage and enhance male fertility.