No increased sperm DNA fragmentation index in semen containing human papillomavirus or herpesvirus

Abstract

SUMMARYIt remains unknown whether human papillomaviruses (HPVs) or human herpesviruses (HHVs) in semen affect sperm DNA integrity. We investigated whether the presence of these viruses in semen was associated with an elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index. Semen from 76 sperm donors was examined by a PCR-based hybridization array that identifies all HHVs and 35 of the most common HPVs. Sperm DNA integrity was determined by the sperm chromatin structure assay. HPVs or HHVs, or both, were found in 57% of semen samples; however, sperm DNA fragmentation index was not increased in semen containing these viruses.

The presence of human papillomavirus in semen does not affect the integrity of sperm DNA

“…We have demonstrated that DNA of spermatozoa from in vivo HPV‐positive semen samples is not more susceptible to acid‐induced damage than that of spermatozoa from virus‐negative samples, nor are samples with a DFI above the level of 30% more frequent among HPV‐containing sperm samples. Our data support a previous observation reporting no increased sperm DNA fragmentation in semen containing HPV (Kaspersen et al., ). However, Connelly et al.…”

“…Moreover, spermatozoa exposed to hepatitis B virus antigen exhibit increased DNA fragmentation (Kang et al., ). To date, little is known about the integrity of sperm DNA associated with HPV infection (Connelly, Chan, Patton, & King, ; Kaspersen et al., ).…”

HPV‐DNA sperm infection and infertility: from a systematic literature review to a possible clinical management proposal

“…; Perino et al ., ; Reich et al . ; Schillaci et al ., ; Yang et al ., ; Golob et al ., ); 13 papers focused on the clinical impact of HPV detection in semen related to the alteration of sperm parameters (Lai et al ., ; Brossfield et al ., ; Connelly et al ., ; Lee et al ., ; Rintala et al ., ; Foresta et al ., ,b; Foresta et al ., ; Garolla et al ., ,b; Garolla et al ., ; Kaspersen et al ., ; Schillaci et al ., ; Yang et al ., ); and four papers (of which two already included in the previous group) focused on the possible molecular mechanisms of male HPV‐related infertility (Connelly et al ., ; Lee et al ., ; Foresta et al ., ; Garolla et al ., ).…”

Presence of human papillomavirus in semen of healthy men is firmly associated with HPV infections of the penile epithelium

“…Some studies have shown a mildly decreased motility of spermatozoa in HPV-positive semen samples (8,23), but others found no differences in the functional parameters when comparing HPV-positive and HPV-negative semen (26,27). We are presently continuing our study on the correlation of seminal HPV infection and functional semen parameters.…”