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Antioxidants and sperm DNA damage: a clinical perspective

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Abstract

Purpose

Infertile men possess substantially more sperm DNA damage than do fertile men, damage that may impact negatively on reproductive outcomes. In this era of assisted reproductive technologies there is mounting concern regarding the safety of utilizing DNA-damaged spermatozoa in this setting. Therefore, it is important to identify strategies that may reduce sperm DNA damage. The purpose of this review is to discuss the rationale for antioxidant therapy in men with sperm DNA damage and to evaluate the data on the efficacy of dietary and in vitro antioxidant preparations on sperm DNA damage.

Methods

We reviewed the literature on antioxidants and sperm DNA damage.

Results

To date, the data suggest that dietary antioxidants may be beneficial in reducing sperm DNA damage, particularly, in men with high levels of DNA fragmentation. However, the mechanism of action of dietary antioxidants has not been established and most of the clinical studies are small. A beneficial effect of in vitro antioxidant supplements in protecting sperm DNA from exogenous oxidants has been demonstrated, however, the effect of these antioxidants in protecting sperm from endogenous ROS, gentle sperm processing and cryopreservation has not been established.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Armand Zini, Maria San Gabriel & Abdulaziz Baazeem

  2. St. Mary’s Hospital, 3830 Lacombe Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T 1M5

    Armand Zini

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  1. Armand Zini
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  2. Maria San Gabriel
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  3. Abdulaziz Baazeem
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Correspondence to Armand Zini.

Additional information

Capsule Dietary and in vitro antioxidant preparations may help reduce sperm DNA damage, however, larger, well-designed studies are needed to firmly establish the utility of antioxidants in this setting.

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Zini, A., San Gabriel, M. & Baazeem, A. Antioxidants and sperm DNA damage: a clinical perspective. J Assist Reprod Genet 26, 427–432 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9343-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9343-5

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