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Research Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Year: 2010 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 138-164
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Authors

I.P. Ogbuewu

N.O. Aladi

I.F. Etuk

M.N. Opara

M.C. Uchegbu

I.C. Okoli

M.U. Iloeje

Keywords

All the cells living under aerobic conditions constantly face the oxygen paradox. Oxygen is required to support life, but its metabolites such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can modify cell functions, endanger cell survival, or both. Sperm cell membranes are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and are sensitive to oxygen free radical induced damage mediated by lipid peroxidation. Oxygen free radicals are naturally produced by mitochondrial and sperm plasma membrane and have beneficial and detrimental effects that cannot be overlooked. Limited endogenous mechanisms exist to reverse these damages. The excessive generation of oxygen free radicals in the form of ROS by abnormal spermatozoa and by contaminating leukocytes has been identified as one of the few defined etiologies for male infertility. However, the over production of oxygen free radicals in sperm membrane decreases the antioxidant defense activity thereby leading to low sperm motility and viability, DNA fragmentation and protein denaturation. To counteract the negative effects of excess ROS, spermatozoa and seminal plasma have several mechanisms to neutralize free radicals. They include enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems which work synergistically to prevent harmful effects of the by-products from aerobic metabolism. Since, ROS is essential for the normal sperm physiology, rationale use of antioxidants is advocated. Therefore, this review will attempt to discuss the relevance of free radicals and antioxidants in spermatozoa production and function.
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How to cite this article

I.P. Ogbuewu, N.O. Aladi, I.F. Etuk, M.N. Opara, M.C. Uchegbu, I.C. Okoli and M.U. Iloeje, 2010. Relevance of Oxygen Free Radicals and Antioxidants in Sperm Production and Function. Research Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 3: 138-164.

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=rjvs.2010.138.164

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