Algal and Fungal Antioxidants Alleviate Oxidative Stress-Induced Reproductive Defects.

The intrinsic and extrinsic factors (natural aging, diseases, infections, chemicals, radiation, heavy metals etc.) create oxidative stress, thereby causing reproductive defects in males and females. Similarly, oxidative stress causes the abnormalities in sperm and oocytes, and thus reduces the success of in vitro fertilization. Fungi and/or algae-derived metabolites (polysaccharides, carotenoids, ergothioneine, phycobiliproteins, phlorotannins, and cordycepin) alleviate the damages in ovaries and testis and correct the impaired reproductive functions (spermatogenesis, ovulation, fertilization and implantation) in the in vivo models by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase etc.), making mitochondrial parameters better (membrane potential, distribution, dynamics and activity of mitochondria), decreasing oxidative stress (the reductions in intracellular ROS and malondialdehyde levels), inflammation (the reductions in COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels) and apoptosis (the reductions in and levels) and balancing blood hormone levels (follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone). Similarly, in the in vitro models, they increase antioxidant enzymes activities, decrease oxidative stress and apoptosis, and make mitochondrial functions better, thereby restoring the defects in sperm and oocyte parameters and increasing blastocyst formation. Overall, this review study reveals that the antioxidants from fungi and algae contribute to the improvement of the reproductive outcome of humans and animals and assisted reproductive technology by preventing or alleviating oxidative stress. However, more in vitro, in vivo, or clinical studies are needed to prove the safety profile and efficacy of fungi- and algae-based antioxidants. This is the first review study focusing on the protective effects of fungi and algae-based antioxidants against oxidative stress-induced reproductive defects.