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Semen DNA fragmentation index, evaluated with both TUNEL and Comet assay, and the ICSI outcome
Gamze Sinem Caglar1, Frank Köster, Beate Schöpper
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany.
Background:
In intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), there is always a risk of using spermatozoa with damaged DNA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation in processed semen samples used in ICSI cycles and to investigate the relationship between the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and the ICSI outcome.
Patients And Methods:
Fifty-six couples undergoing ICSI treatment were included. DFI was evaluated, by both terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUDP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) and single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assays, in the processed semen samples used for ICSI.
Results:
Of the processed semen samples 17.85% had > or =10% spermatozoa with fragmented DNA. There was no correlation between DFI and the ICSI outcome. DFI assessed by the TUNEL assay was negatively correlated with sperm concentration, progressive motility and sperm morphology.
Conclusion:
A considerable proportion of processed semen samples used for ICSI have a high DFI. However, DFI of the processed semen samples does not seem to be related to the ICSI outcome.
Insights
A significant percentage of sperm samples used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) show high DNA fragmentation. However, this DNA fragmentation index (DFI) did not correlate with ICSI treatment success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Sperm Biology
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Background:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation poses a risk in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
- Assessing DNA fragmentation is crucial for optimizing ICSI outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation in ICSI samples.
- To investigate the correlation between DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and ICSI success rates.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated DFI in processed semen samples from 56 couples undergoing ICSI.
- Utilized terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUDP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) and single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assays.
Main Results:
- 17.85% of processed semen samples exhibited a DFI of >=10%.
- No significant correlation was found between DFI and ICSI outcomes.
- TUNEL assay showed DFI negatively correlated with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
Conclusions:
- A substantial portion of semen samples for ICSI have elevated DFI.
- DFI in processed semen samples does not appear to impact ICSI success.
