Oxidative Stress in Semen (ROS + MIOXSYS) and
Male Infertility
There is growing evidence to support a link between oxidative stress and male infertility.
It is the underlying cause of sperm DNA damage and impairs semen parameters and fertilisation, adversely affects embryo development and is associated with reduced pregnancy rates. It may also increase the risk of miscarriage. High levels of ROS may be reduced by considering varicocele repair, treatment of underlying infections or inflammation, changes in lifestyle or with antioxidant supplements.
TDL provides a comprehensive assessment of oxidative stress by combined measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species and Redox Potential. Please request as oxidative stress test (code ROS).
The test includes combined testing for:
Chemiluminescence Assay for Reactive Oxygen Species
Reactive Oxidative stress may be measured by a simple chemiluminescence test in semen, which measures the level of reactive oxygen species.
MIOXSYS Electrochemical Assay for Redox Potential
Oxidative stress may be determined by an electrochemical assay which measures the redox potential in semen. This test measures the overall difference between total oxidants and antioxidants in the system.
References
Vassiliou A, Martin CH, Homa ST, Stone J, Dawkins A, Genkova MN, Skyla Dela Roca H, Parikh S, Patel J, Yap T, Killeen AP. Redox potential in human semen: Validation and qualification of the MiOXsys assay. Andrologia. 2021 Mar;53(2):e13938.
doi: 10.1111/and.13938. Epub 2020 Dec 30. PMID: 33377541. Abstract
Effects of ROS-induced Oxidative Stress on Sperm
- Lipid peroxidation which damages the sperm surface causing an abnormal morphology and impaired motility.
- Damage to proteins on cell surface responsible for cell signalling and may affect enzyme function inside the cell.
- Increased semen viscosity.
- Peroxidation of DNA and subsequent unravelling or fragmentation.
- Possible mutagenic effects.
- Damage to seminiferous epithelium, damage to tubules, testicular atrophy, reduced spermatogenesis.
- Decrease in sperm vitality, motility.
- Impaired fertilization by affecting sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction.
Causes of Elevated ROS Levels
- Genito-urinary tract infection
- Prostatitis
- Vasectomy reversal
- Varicocele
- Cryptorchidism
- Chronic disease
- Xenobiotics
- Chemical pollutants and occupational hazards
- Heavy metal exposure
- Removal of seminal plasma during sperm preparation for assisted conception
- Drugs – cyclophosphamide, aspirin, paracetamol
- Smoking
- Excessive exercise
- Heat exposure
- Obesity
- Age