The Nexus Between Sperm Membrane Integrity, Sperm Motility, and DNA Fragmentation

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Andrology
• Spermatozoa Analysis

Background:

• Male fertility assessment traditionally relies on individual sperm parameters.
• A comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships between sperm quality markers is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Sperm plasma membrane integrity, motility, and DNA fragmentation (SDF) are key indicators of male reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interrelationships between sperm plasma membrane integrity, motility, and DNA fragmentation (SDF).
• To provide a more holistic understanding of male fertility using integrated sperm parameters.
• To explore the utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying distinct male fertility profiles.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1159 ejaculates for sperm membrane integrity (% dead spermatozoa), motility (% immotile spermatozoa), and SDF (% sperm with fragmented DNA).
• Application of non-parametric correlation analysis to assess relationships between parameters.
• Utilization of AI-generated cluster analysis to identify patterns and patient subgroups.

Main Results:

• A moderate correlation (ρ = 0.65) was observed between sperm membrane integrity and motility.
• Sperm DNA fragmentation showed a weak correlation (ρ = 0.21) with membrane integrity and motility, suggesting independence.
• AI cluster analysis identified three distinct groups based on combined sperm parameters, revealing varying levels of fertility potential.

Conclusions:

• Sperm membrane integrity and motility are moderately interrelated, with immotility often linked to membrane damage.
• Sperm DNA fragmentation is largely independent of membrane integrity and motility.
• AI-driven cluster analysis offers a novel approach for individualized male infertility diagnosis by integrating multiple sperm parameters.