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Sperm DNA fragmentation: threshold value in male fertility
M Sergerie1, G Laforest, L Bujan
1Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) - Hôpital Saint-Luc, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|August 9, 2005
Summary
Sperm DNA fragmentation, measured by the TUNEL assay, is a key indicator of male fertility. A threshold of 20% effectively distinguishes fertile men from infertile men, aiding in fertility assessments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) impacts male fertility.
- The TUNEL assay measures SDF, but lacks a validated clinical threshold.
- Establishing a threshold is crucial for in-vivo fertility assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare SDF levels between fertile and infertile men.
- To establish a discriminating threshold value for the TUNEL assay.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples from 47 proven fertile men and 66 infertile patients were analyzed.
- TUNEL assay was used to quantify sperm DNA fragmentation.
- Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- Infertile men showed significantly higher SDF (40.9%) than fertile men (13.1%).
- A 20% SDF threshold demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.93).
- At 20% threshold: specificity 89.4%, sensitivity 96.9%, PPV 92.8%, NPV 95.5%.
Conclusions:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation measured by TUNEL assay is a valuable indicator of male fertility.
- The 20% threshold provides a statistically validated tool for clinical application.