Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in all aspects of cellular functions. While the importance of ROS as signalling molecules is well described, ROS are also associated with stress pathologies. Within the reproduction field, there are associations with reduced fertility as a result of lipid peroxidation, protein dysfunction, premature cell death and DNA damage which readily occur in spermatozoa. These oxidative insults can arise in vivo, or in vitro as a result of sperm storage, purification and processing. Following a brief description of the production, homeostasis and functions of ROS in mammalian sperm function, this review paper will focus on describing the predominant sources of ROS in the ejaculate, the effects of ROS on a cellular and molecular level, and the actions of ROS from the whole animal perspective. There is highlighting of some studies, which have revealed the mechanisms for these observations, along with some strategies to ameliorate or prevent the instigation of the oxidative stress cascade before irreversible damage to spermatozoa occurs.

中文翻译：

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活性氧在男性生育中的功能和影响。

活性氧 (ROS) 与细胞功能的各个方面有关。虽然 ROS 作为信号分子的重要性得到了很好的描述，但 ROS 也与应激病理有关。在生殖领域，由于脂质过氧化、蛋白质功能障碍、细胞过早死亡和精子中容易发生的 DNA 损伤，与生育能力降低有关。由于精子储存、纯化和加工，这些氧化损伤可在体内或体外产生。在简要描述 ROS 在哺乳动物精子功能中的产生、稳态和功能之后，这篇综述论文将重点描述射精中 ROS 的主要来源、ROS 在细胞和分子水平上的影响以及 ROS 的作用从整个动物的角度来看。