International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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Sperm Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility

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Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress (OS) in semen is known to be one of the most common and important factors negatively affecting both semen quality and sperm’s ability to fertilize the oocyte. Furthermore, 80% of male idiopathic infertility is associated with the generation of pathological amounts of reactive oxygen species and/or impaired antioxidant capacity, this known as Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI). Clinically, what is important is that OS in semen can be a causative factor not only in decreased membrane integrity due to the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich sperm phospholipid membranes but also in sperm DNA fragmentation. Consequently, defective fertilization and embryo development can occur, both in natural and medically assisted conception. Moreover, it should be emphasized that the oxidation of sperm DNA can lead to direct modification of nitrogenous bases that can then be responsible for mutagenic or epigenetic effects likely transmitted to future generations. As such, it is essential to conduct studies focused on the etiology, epidemiology, molecular bases, and clinical consequences and therapies of OS in male infertility. We encourage the submission of original research articles and reviews, especially those that provide results at the molecular level.

Dr. Kamil Gill
Guest Editor

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20 pages, 1476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist–Hip Ratio (WHR) on Selected Semen Parameters

by Kamil Gill, Monika Fraczek, Maciej Kurpisz and Małgorzata Piasecka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4089; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094089 - 25 Apr 2025

Abstract

Because male obesity may result in reproductive failure, we aimed to examine the possible links among body mass index (BMI), the waist–hip ratio (WHR), and basic semen parameters, the oxidation–reduction potential of semen, the total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, the ability of sperm to bind hyaluronic acid, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). This study was performed on semen (n = 543) collected from volunteers classified as follows: normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m²), obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m²), with a normal WHR (<1) or abnormal WHR (≥1). No significant differences in standard semen parameters were found between men with a normal BMI and those with overweight/obesity. However, compared with overweight men, obese men had a higher SDF index prevalence and risk for an SDF index > 20%. Compared with men with WHR < 1, those with WHR ≥ 1 had significantly lower sperm motility, morphology, and vitality and an increased SDF index, prevalence and risk for an SDF index > 20%. In conclusion, abnormal WHR had a greater negative impact on conventional semen parameters than abnormal BMI. Both BMI ≥ 30.0 and WHR ≥ 1 negatively influenced sperm chromatin integrity only. Obesity is a potential risk factor for sperm DNA damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility)

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20 pages, 3133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteomic Alterations and Oxidative Stress in Seminal Plasma of Nellore Bulls Under Sexual Rest

by Ekaette Chris Udoekong, Camilo Jose Ramirez-Lopez, Denise Silva Okano, Edvaldo Barros, Pedro Marcus Pereira Vidigal, Iara Magalhães Ribeiro, Renner Philipe Rodrigues Carvalho, Mariana Machado-Neves, José Domingos Guimarães and Simone Eliza Facioni Guimarães

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2457; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062457 - 10 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Sexual rest (SR) in bulls leads to the accumulation of senescent spermatozoa in the extragonadal reserves, potentially affecting semen quality and reproductive efficiency. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of SR on the seminal plasma proteome and oxidative status of Nellore bulls. Six adult bulls were subjected to 195 days of SR and sequential semen collections using the electroejaculation method. The ejaculates were analyzed to assess sperm quality. Seminal plasma from the first and last ejaculates was evaluated for oxidative status and proteomic profile using LC-MS. The results revealed significant improvements in sperm motility, vigor, and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the last ejaculate compared to the first. Conversely, higher levels of oxidative markers, such as malondialdehyde and carbonyl proteins, were observed in the first ejaculate. Proteomic analysis identified 156 proteins, with 28 differentially abundant between ejaculates. The first ejaculate showed a higher abundance of proteins linked to acrosomal exocytosis and energy metabolism, while proteins associated with sperm motility and immune modulation were elevated in the last ejaculate. These findings suggest that SR induces oxidative stress and proteomic alterations in seminal plasma, negatively affecting sperm quality, emphasizing the need for strategic reproductive management in bulls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility)

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