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[The effect of overtraining on human sperm chromatin structure]
Xiao-ping Ding1, Su-wen Yan, Ning Zhang
1Department of Reproductive Center, The 202nd Hospital of PLA, Shenyang 110003, China.
Summary
Intense training, or overtraining, can harm human sperm DNA integrity and reduce sperm activity, potentially impacting male fertility. This study investigated the effects of overtraining on sperm DNA damage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Overtraining syndrome is a concern in athletes, potentially affecting physiological functions.
- Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for male reproductive health.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the impact of overtraining on sperm DNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of overtraining on human sperm DNA.
- To assess the correlation between overtraining and sperm DNA damage.
- To determine the impact on sperm activity and reproductive potential.
Main Methods:
- A molecular epidemiological study involving 249 men (training and non-training groups).
- Utilized flow cytometry to assess in situ sperm nucleus DNA integrity and damage.
- Employed sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) for detailed analysis.
Main Results:
- The training group exhibited significantly higher COMPalpha(t) values (11.02%) compared to the control group (5.90%) (P < 0.01).
- COMPalpha(t) showed a significant positive correlation with sperm activity (r = 0.41, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Overtraining induces sperm DNA injury, compromising its integrity.
- This DNA damage negatively affects sperm activity.
- Overtraining may decrease male reproductive potential due to impaired sperm quality.