Chromatin fluorescence characteristics and standard semen analysis parameters: correlations observed in andrology testing among 136 males referred for infertility evaluation

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the relation between standard semen analysis parameters (concentration, motility and morphology) and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) results among patients referred for infertility evaluation. Healthy males (n=136) seeking infertility consultation were evaluated prospectively by semen analysis and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). Significant inverse correlations were observed between high sperm concentration and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS) (r=- 0.45; P<0.001, and r=- 0.40; P<0.001, respectively). Both progressive motility and normal morphology were also strongly inversely correlated with DFI and HDS. However, in stratified analysis the correlation between concentration < or =20 M/ml and DFI, and concentration < or =20 M/ml and HDS were not significant (P=0.31 and 0.38, respectively). For men with sperm motility < or =40% the correlation between motility and HDS was not significant (P=0.22), but between motility and DFI the correlation remained significant (P=0.04). Although strong correlations between DFI, HDS and semen analysis findings were noted in the overall study population, when oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic patients were analysed separately the correlation between concentration and sperm chromatin fragmentation was not significant. For such men, SCSA appears to be a diagnostic variable independent of the semen analysis, providing information about nuclear abnormalities not readily apparent from standard semen analysis alone. Additionally, SCSA data may offer explanations for previous miscarriage, providing closure for some couples contemplating future use of anonymous donor sperm.

Effects of reduced seminal enzymatic antioxidants on sperm DNA fragmentation and semen quality of Tunisian infertile men

“…Zini et al [39] demonstrated negative correlations between sperm DNA integrity and sperm quality in partners of couples attending IVF clinics. Additionally, in a small cohort of patients consulting for infertility investigation, prospective analyzes showed that both sperm motility and sperm morphology were inversely correlated to the rate of nuclear DNA fragmentation [10][11][12]36]. These results corroborated with our findings and suggested that sperm motility and morphology defects may be in part due to a reduction of sperm DNA integrity which can be promutagenic and can adversely affect fetal outcome after IVF and has lifelong implications on health of child [34].…”

Advancing age has differential effects on DNA damage, chromatin integrity, gene mutations, and aneuploidies in sperm

“…2). This correlation confirms the findings of previous studies (47,48), whereas other studies found weaker or no associations (25,27,39). The finding that DFI and motility were both strongly associated with age and duration of abstinence suggests that a common mechanism related to oxidative stress may be responsible.…”

“…Since 1980, U.S. birth rates have increased up to 40% for men [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49] years and have decreased up to 20% for men under 30 (1). Although it is well known that as women age, they are at increased risk for infertility, spontaneous abortion, and genetic and chromosomal defects among offspring, the association of male aging with these outcomes has been less well characterized (2).…”

DNA fragmentation status in patients with necrozoospermia

“…Negative correlations with the percentage of normal sperm morphology have also been found [Irvine et al 2000;Lopes et al 1998;Sills et al 2003;Brahem et al 2011]. The correlation most frequently reported for DNA fragmentation is a high negative relationship with sperm motility [Lopes et al 1998;Sills et al 2003;Giwercman et al 2003], as shown in our study.…”