Figure 2

Reactive oxygen species damaging effects on spermatozoa and its consequences. Reactive oxygen species provoke membrane and nuclear alterations on spermatozoa resulting in reduced motility, reduced fertilization ability and the risk of transmission to the progeny of an altered paternal chromosomal lot if it is not properly repaired by the oocyte following fertilization. Alternatively, de novo mutations can also be introduced during the repair process when too many oxidized bases have to be replaced within the paternal pronucleus. Eventually, this altered chromosomal lot may be at the origin of abnormal embryo development, miscarriage, perinatal/postnatal mortality and an increased susceptibility to diseases for the young or/and the adult.