Effect of oxidative stress on animal reproduction

Abstract

In India domestic animals are always in a state of hyperthermia due to atmospheric condition, their own morphology and poor managemental approach by farmers. Hyperthermia keeps animal in a state of negative energy balance and oxidative stress (OS). Different oxygen and nitrogen compounds called reactive species produced during intermediate steps of metabolism, act as powerful oxidants. These oxidants cause OS that leads to number of reproductive problems and apoptosis of early embryos proving animal as infertile. OS cause alteration in cellular components (such as lipids, proteins and nucleic acids) of oocytes and embryos that leads to apoptosis. OS also regulates expression pattern of developmental genes in oocytes and embryos. Antioxidants (enzymatic and non enzymatic) can improve reproductive problems by reducing OS.