Antioxidant activity of CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) in vitro can protect human sperm deoxyribonucleic acid from oxidative damage

Abstract

Purpose: Sperm processing (e.g., centrifugation) used in preparation for assisted reproduction can result in excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and potential sperm damage. The use of antioxidants during sperm processing has been shown to prevent iatrogenic sperm damage, including DNA damage. In this study, we evaluated the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on oxidative stress mediated sperm dysfunction and DNA damage.