Sperm DNA fragmentation: causes and identification

Zygote ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thais Rose dos Santos Hamilton ◽  
Mayra Elena Ortiz D’Ávila Assumpção
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Functional Capability ◽  
Sperm Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Fertility Disorders ◽  
Chromatin Integrity

SummarySperm DNA fragmentation is referred to as one of the main causes of male infertility. Failures in the protamination process, apoptosis and action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered the most important causes of DNA fragmentation. Action of ROS or changes in sperm protamination would increase the susceptibility of sperm DNA to fragmentation. Routine semen analysis is unable to estimate sperm chromatin damage. Sperm DNA integrity influences sperm functional capability, therefore tests that measure sperm DNA fragmentation are important to assess fertility disorders. Actually, there is a considerable number of methods for assessing sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin integrity, sperm chromatin stability assay (SCSA modified), sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD), comet assay, transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL); and protamine evaluation in sperm chromatin assay, such as toluidine blue, CMA3, protamine expression and evaluation of cysteine radicals. This review aims to describe the main causes of sperm DNA fragmentation and the tests commonly used to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation.

Influence of bovine sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress on early embryo in vitro development outcome

Reproduction ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 146 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Simões ◽  
Weber Beringui Feitosa ◽  
Adriano Felipe Perez Siqueira ◽  
Marcilio Nichi ◽  
Fabíola Freitas Paula-Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Sperm Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Significant Difference

Sperm chromatin fragmentation may be caused by a number of factors, the most significant of which is reactive oxygen species. However, little is known about the effect of sperm oxidative stress (OS) on DNA integrity, fertilization, and embryonic development in cattle. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of sperm OS susceptibility on the DNA fragmentation rate and in vitro embryo production (IVP) in a population of bulls. Groups of cryopreserved sperm samples were divided into four groups, based on their susceptibility to OS (G1, low OS; G2, average OS; G3, high OS; and G4, highest OS). Our results demonstrated that the sperm DNA integrity was compromised in response to increased OS susceptibility. Furthermore, semen samples with lower susceptibility to OS were also less susceptible to DNA damage (G1, 4.06%; G2, 6.09%; G3, 6.19%; and G4, 6.20%). In addition, embryo IVP provided evidence that the embryo cleavage rate decreased as the OS increased (G1, 70.18%; G2, 62.24%; G3, 55.85%; and G4, 50.93%), but no significant difference in the blastocyst rate or the number of blastomeres was observed among the groups. The groups with greater sensitivity to OS were also associated with a greater percentage of apoptotic cells (G1, 2.6%; G2, 2.76%; G3, 5.59%; and G4, 4.49%). In conclusion, we demonstrated that an increased susceptibility to OS compromises sperm DNA integrity and consequently reduces embryo quality.

Paper-based sperm DNA integrity analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (33) ◽  
pp. 6260-6264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Nosrati ◽  
Max M. Gong ◽  
Maria C. San Gabriel ◽  
Armand Zini ◽  
David Sinton
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Chromatin Integrity ◽  
Integrity Analysis

A comprehensive paper-based assay for sperm chromatin integrity analysis has been demonstrated that quantifies both DNA fragmentation and packaging.

scholarly journals A cost for high levels of sperm competition in rodents: increased sperm DNA fragmentation

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1826) ◽  
pp. 20152708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier delBarco-Trillo ◽  
Olga García-Álvarez ◽  
Ana Josefa Soler ◽  
Maximiliano Tourmente ◽  
José Julián Garde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Dna Damage ◽  
Sperm Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Sperm competition, a prevalent evolutionary process in which the spermatozoa of two or more males compete for the fertilization of the same ovum, leads to morphological and physiological adaptations, including increases in energetic metabolism that may serve to propel sperm faster but that may have negative effects on DNA integrity. Sperm DNA damage is associated with reduced rates of fertilization, embryo and fetal loss, offspring mortality, and mutations leading to genetic disease. We tested whether high levels of sperm competition affect sperm DNA integrity. We evaluated sperm DNA integrity in 18 species of rodents that differ in their levels of sperm competition using the sperm chromatin structure assay. DNA integrity was assessed upon sperm collection, in response to incubation under capacitating or non-capacitating conditions, and after exposure to physical and chemical stressors. Sperm DNA was very resistant to physical and chemical stressors, whereas incubation in non-capacitating and capacitating conditions resulted in only a small increase in sperm DNA damage. Importantly, levels of sperm competition were positively associated with sperm DNA fragmentation across rodent species. This is the first evidence showing that high levels of sperm competition lead to an important cost in the form of increased sperm DNA damage.

scholarly journals Beneficial effect of antioxidant therapy on sperm DNA integrity is not associated with a similar effect on sperm chromatin integrity

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 31-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cécile Le Saint ◽  
Isaac-Jacques Kadoch ◽  
François Bissonnette ◽  
Julie Choi ◽  
Jonathan Zini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Antioxidant Therapy ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Chromatin Integrity

scholarly journals Proteomic Analysis in Seminal Plasma of Fertile Donors and Infertile Patients with Sperm DNA Fragmentation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 5046
Author(s):  
Alba Fernandez-Encinas ◽  
Agustín García-Peiró ◽  
Javier del Rey ◽  
Jordi Ribas-Maynou ◽  
Carlos Abad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Recurrent Miscarriage ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Dispersion Test

Seminal plasma proteomics studies could represent a new approach for the determination of molecular elements driving male infertility, resulting in a better male infertility characterization. The aim of this study is to investigate proteomic differences in seminal plasma samples from fertile and infertile individuals. For that, semen samples were selected according to semen analysis, clinical pathology, and values of sperm DNA fragmentation (alkaline and neutral Comet assay and Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test). A total of 24 seminal plasma samples classified in four groups were processed: fertile donors (FD), recurrent miscarriage patients (RM), asthenoteratozoospermic patients (ATZ), and asthenoteratozoospermic patients with varicocele (ATZ-VAR). Results obtained by 2D-differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) revealed 26 spots significantly increased in fertile donors when compared to patient groups. Also, eight spots in the ATZ group and two in the ATZ-VAR group were decreased compared to the other groups. Twenty-eight proteins were identified by mass spectrometry (MS), most of them involved in metabolic and cellular processes and with a catalytic or binding function. Protein–protein interactions through Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) tool suggest that a large part of them were associated with each other. Furthermore, most of them were associated with ubiquitin C, indicating that it could play an important regulation role, resulting in a potential male infertility biomarker.

scholarly journals In Vitro Studying the Effect of Adding Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to the Human Semen on the Sperm DNA Integrity

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-100
Author(s):  
Dhafer Hamdan ◽  
Ali Rahim ◽  
Ula Al-Kawaz
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Dispersion Test

For conception and the development of healthy embryos, sperm DNA integrity is crucial. According to a growing body of studies, there is a strong correlation between sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Among the new medicines being developed in the medical field, the application of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in human reproduction has yet to be examined. A total of 100 semen samples were used in the current experimental investigation. From November 2020 to June 2021, the research was conducted at the High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Masturbation was used to get an ejaculated semen sample. After semen analysis, the samples were separated into two equal parts, one without autologous PRP and the other with 2% autologous PRP, with the DNA fragmentation assessed using the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test. There was highly significant reduction in DNA fragmentation index (p < 0.001). The mean sperm DNA integrity was reduced after adding PRP (33.85±16.73 vs 38.55±16.64), Mean (± SE). PRP has been shown to improve human sperm DNA integrity.

scholarly journals Are semen quality parameters sufficient for biomonitoring spermatozoa DNA integrity and oxidatively damaged DNA

Biomonitoring ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hueiwang Anna Jeng ◽  
Ruei-Nian Li ◽  
Wen-Yi Lin
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Phase System ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Dna

Abstract:The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between semen quality parameters and DNA integrity, and determine whether semen quality parameters could serve as a reliable biomarker for monitoring sperm DNA damage. Conventional semen parameters from a total of 202 male human subjects were analyzed. DNA fragmentation and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′- deoxyguanosine (8-oxoGuo) were used to assess sperm DNA integrity. DNA fragmentation was analyzed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), while 8-oxodGuo was quantified by the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) coupled with an on-line solid phase system. The levels of 8-oxodGuo levels in sperm were related to the percentages of DNA fragmentation measured by both the TUNEL and SCSA (r = 0.22, p = 0.048; r = 0.12, p = 0.039). Sperm vitality, motility and morphology from all of the participants exhibited a weak correlation with the levels of 8-oxodGuo and the percentages of DNA fragmentation. Semen quality parameters may be independent of the formation of DNA fragmentation and oxidative adducts in sperm. Semen quality parameters may be insufficient to monitor sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative damage. DNA damage in sperm is recommended to be included in routine measurements.

scholarly journals Relationships between sperm DNA integrity and bulk semen parameters in Bulgarian patients with varicocele

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Alargkof ◽  
Larissa Kersten ◽  
Romil Stanislavov ◽  
Zdravko Kamenov ◽  
Panagiotis Nikolinakos
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Abnormal Sperm ◽  
Sperm Dna

Objective: This exploratory retrospective study aimed to compare the level of Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and investigate its association with bulk semen parameters, for the first time in Bulgarian patients with varicocele, using a distinct methodology. Material and methods: Standard semen analysis was performed according to the 2010 criteria of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology - Nordic Association for Andrology (ESHRE-NAFA-2010) and DNA fragmentation was assessed using the Halosperm® kit. The total sample included 28 males: the control group consisted of men with normal genital examination and unknown fertility (n = 10), group one consisted of men with varicocele, normozoospermia and DNA fragmentation > 15% (n = 9) and group two consisted of men with varicocele, abnormal sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation > 15% (n = 9). Results: DNA fragmentation was found to be higher in patients with abnormal sperm parameters (43.78 ± 30.78) compared to the normozoospermic group (21.22 ± 3.93) (p = 0.008). In normozoospermic patients, no statistically significant correlations were observed between SDF and bulk semen parameters. In patients with abnormal sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation exhibited significant very strong negative association with motility (a+b), vitality and typical morphology (p < 0.001). Conclusions: DNA integrity assays could be used for a better evaluation and management of male infertility, particularly in normozoospermic varicocele patients.

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