Prolonged incubation of processed human spermatozoa will increase DNA fragmentation

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Sperm Biology
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Background:

• Sperm DNA fragmentation is a significant cause of ART failure.
• Extended incubation of spermatozoa at 37°C may exacerbate DNA damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of incubation time on sperm DNA fragmentation rates.
• To determine optimal time intervals for using prepared sperm in ART.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of 21 normozoospermic samples.
• Sperm preparation using direct swim-up.
• Sperm DNA fragmentation assessment via Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) test at 0, 1, 2, and 3 hours post-incubation at 37°C.

Main Results:

• Sperm DNA fragmentation rates significantly increased after 2 hours (8.81%) and 3 hours (10.76%) of incubation compared to baseline (4.38%).
• A positive correlation was observed between incubation duration and sperm DNA damage (P < 0.0001).
• Normal morphology and progressive motility remained high, but DNA integrity was compromised over time.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged incubation (≥2 hours) of prepared normozoospermic samples at 37°C is linked to elevated sperm DNA fragmentation.
• Sperm samples for ART should ideally be utilized within 2 hours of preparation and incubation at 37°C to mitigate DNA damage.