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Chen Z, Xie J, Ma C, Zhang P, Lei X. Oxidative Damage Under Microgravity Conditions: Response Mechanisms, Monitoring Methods and Countermeasures on Somatic and Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:4583. [PMID: 40429729 PMCID: PMC12111329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26104583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2025] [Revised: 05/01/2025] [Accepted: 05/08/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
With the growing human interest in space exploration, understanding the oxidative damage effects of microgravity on somatic and germ cells and their underlying mechanisms has become a pivotal scientific challenge for ensuring reproductive health during long-term space missions. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the molecular mechanisms of microgravity-induced oxidative stress, advanced detection methods, and potential protective strategies for germ cells. The evidence demonstrates that microgravity substantially compromises germ cell viability and embryonic developmental potential by disrupting mitochondrial function, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and impairing antioxidant defenses. These alterations result in DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation, thereby affecting cellular integrity and functionality. Furthermore, we discuss how cells respond to microgravity-induced oxidative stress through adaptive mechanisms, such as autophagy, apoptosis, and antioxidant systems, although these responses can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on cellular homeostasis. Additionally, this paper highlights the utility of fluorescent probes for detecting ROS levels under microgravity conditions, which are convenient and practical, but may require further optimization to improve sensitivity and specificity. To counteract these challenges, interventions such as antioxidants and artificial gravity systems show promise but need rigorous validation in prolonged microgravity environments. Finally, future research should integrate multi-omics approaches to unravel the oxidative damage network, advance space-adapted reproductive technologies, and provide essential theoretical insights and technical support for maintaining human reproductive health beyond Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekai Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China;
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.X.); (C.M.)
| | - Jingtong Xie
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.X.); (C.M.)
| | - Chiyuan Ma
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.X.); (C.M.)
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab of Biomaterials, CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China;
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.X.); (C.M.)
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Potiris A, Moustakli E, Trismpioti E, Drakaki E, Mavrogianni D, Matsas A, Zikopoulos A, Sfakianakis A, Tsakiridis I, Dagklis T, Zachariou A, Christopoulos P, Domali E, Drakakis P, Stavros S. From Inflammation to Infertility: How Oxidative Stress and Infections Disrupt Male Reproductive Health. Metabolites 2025; 15:267. [PMID: 40278397 PMCID: PMC12029481 DOI: 10.3390/metabo15040267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2025] [Revised: 04/01/2025] [Accepted: 04/10/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Inflammation, infections, and oxidative stress (OS) all have an impact on male infertility, which is a complicated, multifaceted illness. OS affects motility and fertilization capability. It accomplishes this through damaging sperm DNA, oxidizing proteins, and triggering lipid peroxidation. These effects occur due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses. METHODS This review aims to evaluate the impact of oxidative stress and inflammation on male infertility by assessing recent literature. RESULTS Pro-inflammatory cytokines, like TNF-α and IL-6, interfere with spermatogenesis and promote oxidative damage. Additionally, infections caused by pathogens like Escherichia coli and Chlamydia trachomatis alter the reproductive microenvironment, leading to sperm dysfunction and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Early detection and targeted treatment are essential due to the intricate interactions among these elements. Microbiota-modulating techniques, antimicrobial therapies, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antioxidants are therapeutic approaches that may help reduce oxidative damage and enhance male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Potiris
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (A.Z.); (P.D.)
| | - Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Eleni Trismpioti
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (E.D.); (D.M.); (E.D.)
| | - Eirini Drakaki
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (E.D.); (D.M.); (E.D.)
| | - Despoina Mavrogianni
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (E.D.); (D.M.); (E.D.)
| | - Alkis Matsas
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (A.Z.); (P.D.)
| | - Antonios Sfakianakis
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, Clapton, London E9 6SR, UK;
| | - Ioannis Tsakiridis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital Ippokratio, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 42 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Themistoklis Dagklis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital Ippokratio, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 42 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Christopoulos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Domali
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (E.D.); (D.M.); (E.D.)
| | - Peter Drakakis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (A.Z.); (P.D.)
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece; (A.Z.); (P.D.)
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Voros C, Mavrogianni D, Minaoglou A, Papahliou AM, Topalis V, Varthaliti A, Mathiopoulos D, Kondili P, Darlas M, Pantou A, Sina S, Athanasiou A, Athanasiou D, Loutradis D, Daskalakis G. Unveiling the Impact of COVID-19 on Ovarian Function and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2025; 13:407. [PMID: 40002820 PMCID: PMC11853103 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13020407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2025] [Revised: 01/30/2025] [Accepted: 02/05/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a disorder that affects women under the age of 40. It is characterized by decreased ovarian function, elevated gonadotropin levels, and decreased estradiol. SARS-CoV-2 disrupts ovarian function largely through oxidative stress, inflammation, and immunological dysregulation, which are enhanced by its entrance into ovarian tissues via ACE2 receptors. The purpose of this comprehensive review was to investigate the molecular pathways that link SARS-CoV-2 infection to POI and analyze their consequences for ovarian reserve and fertility. Methods: We searched databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for papers published between 2020 and 2024. Eligible studies investigated the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on ovarian function, including the hormonal indicators anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oocyte quality, and ovarian reserve. The data were compiled into a complete examination of molecules and clinical findings. Increased inflammatory indicators, such as interleukin-6 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, impaired ovarian homeostasis. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in follicular fluid could have impaired oocyte quality. Observational studies showed transitory decreases in AMH and changed FSH levels following infection, with variable effects on antral follicle count and IVF results. Changes in lipid profiles and VEGF expression emphasized the virus's influence on ovarian angiogenesis and the ovarian microenvironment. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection impairs ovarian function by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal disruption, thereby increasing the incidence of POI. While most alterations are temporary, the long-term reproductive consequences remain unknown. Continuous monitoring and specific treatments are required to reduce the reproductive risks associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Voros
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Despoina Mavrogianni
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Aspasia Minaoglou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Anthi-Maria Papahliou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Vasileios Topalis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Thun, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
| | - Antonia Varthaliti
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Dimitris Mathiopoulos
- Rea Maternity Hospital S.A., Avenue Siggrou 383 & Pentelis 17, P. Faliro, 17564 Athens, Greece;
| | - Panagiota Kondili
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Menelaos Darlas
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Agni Pantou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Sophia Sina
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
| | - Antonia Athanasiou
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center V. Athanasiou, 15123 Maroussi, Greece; (A.A.); (D.A.)
| | - Diamantis Athanasiou
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center V. Athanasiou, 15123 Maroussi, Greece; (A.A.); (D.A.)
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- Fertility Institute-Assisted Reproduction Unit, Paster 15, 11528 Athens, Greece;
- Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Alexandra’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 VasilissisSofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (A.M.); (A.-M.P.); (A.V.); (P.K.); (M.D.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (G.D.)
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