Association between Seminal Oxidation-Reduction Potential and Sperm DNA Fragmentation-A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Male factor infertility is often linked to seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage.
• Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) quantifies oxidative stress in seminal fluid.
• Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a critical indicator of sperm quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze clinical data evaluating the relationship between seminal ORP and SDF.
• To determine the correlation between oxidative stress markers and sperm DNA integrity.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
• The COVIDENCE tool was utilized for study screening.
• A meta-analysis of 7 studies involving 3491 semen samples was performed using a fixed-effects model.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation (r = 0.24; p < 0.001) was found between seminal ORP and SDF.
• Subgroup analysis showed a slightly lower correlation between ORP and the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay compared to other SDF assays (0.23 vs. 0.29).
• Moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 42.27%) suggested a lack of publication bias.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis is the first to demonstrate a positive association between seminal ORP and SDF.
• The findings underscore the contribution of oxidative stress to sperm DNA damage.
• Further prospective research into the clinical utility of ORP and SDF assays in male infertility is warranted.