Relationship between seminal ascorbic acid and sperm DNA integrity in infertile men

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Oxidative Stress Research
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is known to protect sperm DNA from oxidative stress in vitro.
• Limited data exists on the relationship between seminal ascorbic acid and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between seminal ascorbic acid levels and sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) in infertile males.
• To assess the association between seminal ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity, and conventional semen parameters.

Main Methods:

• Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was quantified using flow cytometry with acridine orange staining in 75 men.
• Seminal plasma ascorbic acid levels and total antioxidant capacity were measured.
• Semen parameters including sperm count, motility, and morphology were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Abnormal sperm DNA integrity (DFI ≥ 30%) was prevalent in patients with abnormal semen parameters (52%) compared to those with normal parameters (12%).
• DFI showed significant negative correlations with sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• Lower seminal ascorbic acid levels were found in patients with leucospermia and a higher percentage of men with abnormal DFI had low seminal ascorbic acid levels (59% vs. 33%).

Conclusions:

• Sperm DNA damage is significantly associated with reduced seminal ascorbic acid levels in infertile men.
• Low seminal ascorbic acid may be a contributing factor to sperm DNA damage and impaired male fertility.
• Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of ascorbic acid supplementation for male infertility.