Protective Role of Physical Activity and Antioxidant Systems During Spermatogenesis

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202502.0705.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-02-12T01:23:41Z
• Authors: Cristina Antinozzi; Luigi Di Luigi; Laura Sireno; Daniela Caporossi; Ivan Dimauro; Paolo Sgrò

Oxidative stress represents a significant contributing factor to male infertility and sperm dysfunction. In this condition, an increase in ROS production exceeds the body's antioxidant defences, resulting in a decline in spermatozoa quality and fertilising capacity. Furthermore, excessive ROS production has been linked to the promotion of genomic damage, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, altered enzyme activity, and ultimately, irreversible alterations, cell death, and a decline in seminal parameters associated with male infertility. It is established that physical activity (PA), acting on inflammatory parameters and improving antioxidant defence, can alleviate the negative effects caused by free radicals, offering numerous health benefits and positively influencing sperm quality. The objective of this review is to highlight the mechanisms of ROS production, the physiological and pathophysiological roles of ROS in relation to the male reproductive system, and recent knowledge on the impact of some protocols of PA on these systems and the molecular mechanisms involved.