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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

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Omega 6/Omega 3 Ratio Is High in Individuals with Increased Sperm DNA fragmentation.

Saeideh Abdollahzadeh^1,2, Ahmad Riasi³, Marziyeh Tavalaee²

¹Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran.

Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)

|August 10, 2023

Summary

An imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in sperm is linked to DNA damage and reduced fertility potential in men. Increasing omega-3 intake may improve sperm quality.

Keywords:

DNA fragmentation Fatty acids Lipid peroxidation Omega-3 Omega-6 Sperm analysis

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Nutritional Science
Sperm Health

Background:

Sperm fatty acid imbalance, particularly omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, is associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage.
This imbalance may negatively impact male fertility potential.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio in sperm and seminal plasma with sperm DNA fragmentation.
To assess how this ratio correlates with sperm DNA damage and functional parameters in infertile men.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 56 infertile men (aged 25-45).
Analysis of sperm and seminal plasma fatty acid composition.
Assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation using TUNEL and SCSA assays.
Evaluation of sperm lipid peroxidation, residual histone levels, and motility.

Main Results:

Men with high sperm DNA fragmentation had significantly higher omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios in both sperm and seminal plasma.
Higher levels of sperm lipid peroxidation and residual histones, and lower sperm motility were observed in men with high DNA fragmentation.
A positive correlation was found between the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and sperm lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and residual histones.

Conclusions:

An elevated omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio in sperm and seminal plasma is associated with increased sperm DNA damage and reduced sperm quality.
Findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acid consumption may play a role in improving male fertility potential by enhancing sperm quality.