Insulin dependant diabetes mellitus: implications for male reproductive function
I M Agbaje1, D A Rogers, C M McVicar
1Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Centre for Clinical and Population Sciences, Queen's University of Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, and Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, UK. i.agbaje@qub.ac.uk
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|May 5, 2007
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) in reproductive-aged men is rising. This study found increased sperm nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA damage in diabetic men, potentially impacting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence is increasing in men of reproductive age.
- The impact of DM on male fertility potential is not well understood.
- Previous studies focused mainly on conventional semen analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of DM in men attending fertility clinics.
- To assess the effects of DM on sperm DNA integrity (nuclear and mitochondrial).
Main Methods:
- Conventional semen analysis was performed on 27 diabetic and 29 non-diabetic men.
- Nuclear DNA (nDNA) fragmentation was measured using the alkaline Comet assay.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions were assessed by Long-PCR.
Main Results:
- Diabetic men showed a significant reduction in semen volume (2.6 vs. 3.3 ml).
- No significant differences in sperm count, motility, or morphology were observed.
- Diabetic subjects exhibited significantly higher nDNA fragmentation (53% vs. 32%) and mtDNA deletions (4 vs. 3).
Conclusions:
- Diabetes is linked to increased sperm nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage.
- This DNA damage may negatively affect male reproductive capability.
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