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The Relationship Between Sperm Midpiece Details and DNA Fragmentation in Human Sperm
Muhammed Arif Ibis1,2, Neslihan Oytun Mencik3, Burcu Öztürk3
1Center for Research On Human Reproduction, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. dr.arifibis@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Sperm DNA fragmentation is associated with poor sperm quality and reproductive outcomes. Free radicals are a significant cause of DNA fragmentation, with mitochondria being the primary intrinsic source. To investigate the relationship between midpiece measurements containing mitochondria and sperm DNA fragmentation, and to determine the ideal midpiece area. Demographic data, semen analysis results, and DNA fragmentation values were prospectively collected from 239 men with infertility complaints. Detailed analyses and morphometric measurements were performed on 50 spermatozoa from each patient, totaling 11,950 spermatozoa. The ideal DNA fragmentation index (DFI) cutoff value was calculated. Patients were classified into three subgroups based on midpiece length, midpiece width, and midpiece area measurements. The correlation between mid-piece measurements and DFI was investigated. The cutoff value for DFI was determined as 19.50. The odds ratio evaluating the relationship between morphology status and high DFI was 0.159 (95% CI: 0.089-0.282). It was observed that midpiece length and width have statistically significant but low correlations with DFI, whereas midpiece area shows a higher correlation. Finally, based on DFI values, the ideal midpiece area was between 2.31 and 3.13 µm2. There is a significant correlation between sperm midpiece area and DFI value, surpassing that of length and width. Future studies may yield important insights by exploring the impact of midpiece area measurements on reproductive outcomes.
Insights
Sperm DNA fragmentation, a cause of infertility, is linked to sperm midpiece size. The study found sperm midpiece area, not just length or width, significantly correlates with DNA fragmentation index (DFI).
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Spermatozoa Morphology
- Andrology
Background:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) negatively impacts male fertility and reproductive success.
- Mitochondria, located in the sperm midpiece, are a primary source of free radicals causing SDF.
- Understanding the relationship between sperm morphometry and SDF is crucial for assessing sperm quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between sperm midpiece dimensions (length, width, area) and sperm DNA fragmentation.
- To determine the ideal sperm midpiece area associated with lower DNA fragmentation index (DFI).
- To establish a DFI cutoff value for assessing sperm DNA integrity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of demographic, semen analysis, and DFI data from 239 infertile men.
- Morphometric analysis of 50 spermatozoa per patient (total 11,950) to measure midpiece dimensions.
- Statistical analysis to evaluate correlations between midpiece measurements and DFI, and calculate DFI cutoff.
Main Results:
- A DFI cutoff value of 19.50 was determined.
- Sperm midpiece length and width showed statistically significant but low correlations with DFI.
- Sperm midpiece area demonstrated a higher correlation with DFI compared to length and width.
- The ideal midpiece area associated with lower DFI was found to be between 2.31 and 3.13 µm².
Conclusions:
- Sperm midpiece area is a significant predictor of sperm DNA fragmentation, more so than midpiece length or width.
- The findings suggest that midpiece area measurements could be a valuable addition to routine semen analysis for fertility assessment.
- Further research exploring the impact of midpiece area on reproductive outcomes is warranted.
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