Human sperm DNA integrity in normal and abnormal semen samples and its correlation with sperm characteristics

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Genetics
• Andrology

Background:

• Sperm DNA fragmentation is increasingly linked to male infertility and affects assisted reproductive techniques (ART) success.
• Conflicting reports exist regarding the correlation between sperm DNA integrity and traditional semen parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between conventional semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity using the acridine orange (AO) test.
• To compare DNA normality and semen parameters in infertile patients versus fertile donors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the acridine orange (AO) test to assess sperm DNA integrity in 373 patients and 28 fertile volunteers.
• Correlated DNA normality with sperm concentration, motility, rapid motility, and morphology (including head defects).
• Compared AO levels between donors and patients with specific conditions like asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia.

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlations were found between DNA normality and sperm concentration (r=0.18), motility (r=0.21), and rapid motility (r=0.19).
• Significant correlations also observed with normal morphology (r=0.15) and head defects (r=-0.15).
• Distinct differences in AO levels were noted between donors and patients with asthenozoospermia (P=0.002) and oligoasthenozoospermia (P=0.001), and based on morphology (<30% vs >30% normal).

Conclusions:

• The acridine orange (AO) test is a reliable method for assessing sperm DNA status.
• Sperm DNA integrity assessed by AO shows a good correlation with sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• AO staining for sperm DNA status may be a valuable tool for patient selection prior to assisted reproductive techniques (ART).