Approach to the Study of the Relationship Between DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress in Equine Semen

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by living organisms as a result of normal cellular metabolism and play beneficial roles in the innate immune response or cellular stress protection among others. However, ROS can cause damage to cellular components such as lipids, proteins or DNA. Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between ROS production and total antioxidant capacity. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma (SP) have several enzymes and other antioxidants to neutralize ROS. In the equine, association between oxidative stress, antioxidant protection and sperm DNA damage has not been studied in detail.
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research