DNA Integrity in Absolute Teratozoospermia Patients and its Impact on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcome

Abstract

Numerous studies showed that Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) is inversely correlated to semen parameters and that high SDF is a major contributor to failure of conception. In the present study, the severity of Sperm DNA Fragmentation in absolute teratoozoospermia patients and its impact on ICSI outcome compared to males with normal semen was examined. A prospective study was performed including 36 absolute teratozoospermia and 30 controls. The mean of DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) using Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) test in the absolute teratozoospermia was 42.9 ± 13.2, compared to 24.59 ± 6.9 for the controls. The percentage of patients with high DFI (>30) was higher in the absolute teratozoospermia group 78% than in the control group 30%. Moderate DFI (15-30%) was more common in controls 60% than in absolute teratozoospermia 22%. Normal DFI (≤ 15%) was completely absent in absolute teratozoospermia. The pregnancy rate following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in the control group was 66.6% and 50% in the absolute teratozoospermia. The miscarriage rate was 26% in the control group compared to 53% in the absolute teratozoospermia. Live birth was significantly lower in absolute teratozoospermia compared to fertile men; 19% and 52% respectively. High levels of SDF are predominant in absolute teratozoospermia patients consequently affecting the outcome of ICSI.