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Chapter category: Ischemia-Reperfusion
Oxidative Stress and Testicular Dysfunction
Chapter authors:
Jeffrey J. Lysiak, Terry T. Turner
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This chapter will largely focus on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in certain testicular
pathologies. The involvement of ROS in the cytotoxicity of spermatozoa has been known
for decades; however, recent studies have also linked ROS to various pathologies of the
testis including, cryptorchidism, urogenital obstruction, testicular toxins, and testicular torsion.
This chapter will review the data on the spatial and temporal expression of antioxidants in
the mammalian testis, the involvement of ROS in the above mentioned pathologies, and studies
employing antioxidant therapies. It appears that ROS are produced during many testicular
pathologies and, in fact, contribute to the pathology. Mammalian spermatogonia and spermatocytes
are the two cell types in the testis particularly susceptible to ROS cytotoxicity. Recent
studies employing antioxidant therapies may prove to be beneficial for preserving testicular
function after injury.
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