There is much debate as to whether the origin of ROS in semen is from sperm, seminal leukocytes, or both. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of seminal leukocytes in enhancing ROS production by sperm. Semen specimens were obtained from 48 patients [leukocytospermic (n = 16), non-leukocytospermic (n = 32)] and 13 normal donors. Levels of ... Read more

Objective: Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) is the most powerful stimulant of cellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Enhanced PMA response has been correlated with poor semen quality, reduced sperm fertilizing potential and male infertility. The objective of this study was to investigate PMA response in pure sperm (free of leukocyte contamination) obtained from leukocytospermic patients. Design: A prospective clinical ... Read more

Objectives: Radical oxidative species (ROS) have an important effect on sperm quality and quantity. Oxidative stress (OS) occurs when production of potentially destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the body’s own natural antioxidant defenses, resulting in cellular damage. OS is a common pathology seen in approximately half of all infertile men. Increased ROS generation and reduced antioxidant capacity is negatively ... Read more

INTRODUCTION: The origin of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in semen remains controversial. Phagocytic leukocytes present in semen are known to produce high levels of ROS that can overwhelm the ROS-scavenging capacity of seminal plasma and eventually lead to oxidative stress. Although immature spermatozoa have also been shown to produce high levels of ROS, the role of leukocytes in stimulating ROS ... Read more