Measuring Reactive Oxygen Species in Semen for Male Preconception Care

Castleton, P.E.; Deluao, J.C.; Sharkey, D.J.; McPherson, N.O. Measuring Reactive Oxygen Species in Semen for Male Preconception Care: A Scientist Perspective. Antioxidants 2022, 11, 264. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020264
Contact: Nicole Mcpherson


Oxidative stress and elevated levels of seminal and sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to up to 80% of male infertility diagnosis, with sperm ROS concentrations at fertilization important in the development of a healthy fetus and child.

In this review, an update is provided on the current techniques used for analyzing semen ROS concentrations clinically, the potential to use of ROS research tools for improving clinical ROS detection in sperm and describe why we believe we are likely still a long way away before semen ROS concentrations might become a mainstream preconception diagnostic test in men.