Oxidative Stress as an Underlying Mechanism of Bacteria-Inflicted Damage to Male Gametes

Abstract

Bacterial infestation of the male reproductive system with subsequent effects of bacteria on the structural integrity and functional activity of male gametes has become a significant factor in the etiology of male reproductive dysfunction. Bacteria may affect male fertility either by directly interacting with structures critical for sperm survival or indirectly by triggering a local immune response, leukocytospermia or reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction followed by oxidative stress development. This review aims to provide an overview of the currently available knowledge on bacteriospermia-associated sperm damage with a special emphasis on oxidative mechanisms underlying sperm deterioration caused by bacterial action. At the same time, we strive to summarize readily available alternatives to prevent or counteract alterations to spermatozoa caused by bacterial colonization of semen or by oxidative stress as an accompanying phenomenon of bacteriospermia.