Scientific landscape of oxidative stress in male reproductive research: A scientometric study

CAPSULE

Contributors: Lucia Rocco (Italy), and Gokhan Calik, MD (Türkiye)

The scientometric study explores oxidative stress (OS) in male reproductive health using Scopus data from 1941 to 2018. It highlights OS trends, key publications, and major contributors. The United States, India, and Italy were prominent publishers, with collaborative success driving research. OS was recognized as a significant cause of male infertility, particularly in the US.

Journals like Fertility and Sterility, Andrologia, and Human Reproduction were highly productive. Sperm anomalies and varicoceles were major topics, peaking in the 1981-1990 and 2011-2018 periods. Detection techniques focused on chemiluminescence and antioxidant assessment, with chemiluminescence notably reliable and reproducible for ROS measurement. Limitations include sample quantity required.

ORP measurement emerged as an alternative technique, with thresholds for abnormal semen quality and infertility. Validation across diverse scientific backgrounds is needed. Prognostic/diagnostic studies surged in the last decade, indicating OS's increasing relevance in male infertility pathologies. OS presents an avenue for exploring conditions like idiopathic infertility and potentially using antioxidant treatments, urging exploration of novel diagnostic techniques.

Personal perspectives
The advent of Scientometric analysis introduces a powerful quantitative approach, offering insights not only into male infertility but potentially across broader infertility domains. This innovative research avenue not only guides researchers but also sets a benchmark for clinicians worldwide, paving the way for the integration of new scientific technologies in understanding and addressing infertility. Its utility extends beyond male fertility, promising a broader impact in diverse areas of reproductive health.

Take Home Message:
Extensive research on oxidative stress (OS) in male fertility from 1941 to 2018 emphasizes its pivotal role. The US, India, and Italy led contributions. Key journals and topics like sperm issues and varicoceles evolved over time. Chemiluminescence and antioxidant assessment stood out in OS detection, but ORP measurement needs wider validation. Recent studies highlight OS's growing relevance in male infertility. The quantitative results from this study signals OS as a key area for investigating complex conditions and potential treatments. (Contributor: Ashok Agarwal, USA)