14 July 2005 | Ashok Agarwal*, Sajal Gupta and Rakesh K Sharma
Oxidative stress (OS) plays a critical role in female reproduction, influencing reproductive functions from oocyte maturation to pregnancy and postpartum. ROS, a double-edged sword, are essential for physiological processes but can also contribute to pathological conditions in the female reproductive tract. OS is caused by an imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage and disease. ROS are involved in various reproductive functions, including oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy. OS is implicated in age-related fertility decline, preterm labor, and conditions like preeclampsia, hydatidiform mole, and endometriosis. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, may help mitigate OS, but their efficacy in female reproduction requires further study. The review discusses the role of OS in normal reproductive cycles, infertility, and assisted reproductive techniques (ART). It highlights the importance of measuring OS biomarkers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxides, in predicting reproductive outcomes. Nitric oxide (NO) and its synthase (NOS) are also discussed, as they play roles in endometrial and ovarian function, endometriosis, and uterine quiescence. The review emphasizes the complex interplay between cytokines, OS, and reproductive disorders, and suggests that interventions targeting OS may improve fertility outcomes. The role of OS in female infertility, including endometriosis, tubal factor infertility, and unexplained infertility, is also explored. The review concludes that further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of OS in female reproduction and to develop effective strategies for its management.Oxidative stress (OS) plays a critical role in female reproduction, influencing reproductive functions from oocyte maturation to pregnancy and postpartum. ROS, a double-edged sword, are essential for physiological processes but can also contribute to pathological conditions in the female reproductive tract. OS is caused by an imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage and disease. ROS are involved in various reproductive functions, including oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy. OS is implicated in age-related fertility decline, preterm labor, and conditions like preeclampsia, hydatidiform mole, and endometriosis. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, may help mitigate OS, but their efficacy in female reproduction requires further study. The review discusses the role of OS in normal reproductive cycles, infertility, and assisted reproductive techniques (ART). It highlights the importance of measuring OS biomarkers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxides, in predicting reproductive outcomes. Nitric oxide (NO) and its synthase (NOS) are also discussed, as they play roles in endometrial and ovarian function, endometriosis, and uterine quiescence. The review emphasizes the complex interplay between cytokines, OS, and reproductive disorders, and suggests that interventions targeting OS may improve fertility outcomes. The role of OS in female infertility, including endometriosis, tubal factor infertility, and unexplained infertility, is also explored. The review concludes that further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of OS in female reproduction and to develop effective strategies for its management.