Oxidative-Stress-Mediated Epigenetic Dysregulation in Spermatogenesis: Implications for Male Infertility and Offspring Health.

Abstract

Male reproductive health is governed by an intricate interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms-encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA activity-are crucial both for spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. However, oxidative stress, driven by excessive reactive oxygen species, disrupts these processes, leading to impaired sperm function and male infertility. This disruption extends to epigenetic modifications, resulting in abnormal gene expression and chromatin remodeling that compromise genomic integrity and fertilization potential. Importantly, oxidative-stress-induced epigenetic alterations can be inherited, affecting the health and fertility of offspring and future generations. This review investigates how oxidative stress influences epigenetic regulation in male reproduction by modifying DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, ultimately compromising spermatogenesis. Additionally, it discusses the transgenerational implications of these epigenetic disruptions and their potential role in hereditary infertility and disease predisposition. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies that mitigate oxidative damage and restore epigenetic homeostasis in the male germline. By integrating insights from molecular, clinical, and transgenerational research, this work emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance male reproductive health and prevent adverse outcomes in progeny. Furthermore, elucidating the dose-response relationships between oxidative stress and epigenetic changes remains a critical research priority, informing personalized diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. In this context, future studies should adopt standardized markers of oxidative damage, robust clinical trials, and multi-omic approaches to capture the complexity of epigenetic regulation in spermatogenesis. Such rigorous investigations will ultimately reduce the risk of transgenerational disorders and optimize reproductive health outcomes.