Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
09:28
Evaluation of the Spatial Distribution of γH2AX following Ionizing Radiation
Published on: August 7, 2010
13.2K
Effects of Low-to-Moderate Ionizing Radiation on Human Sperm Function and DNA Integrity.
Oriana Carcy1, Nicolas Sas1,2, Marion Chanchou1,3
1INSERM-U1240-IMOST, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Andrology
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Low-dose ionizing radiation modestly impacts sperm vitality and motility, but does not cause DNA damage. These findings suggest the relative safety of therapeutic radiation doses for mature sperm.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Radiation Oncology
- Spermatozoa Research
Background:
- Ionizing radiation is crucial in medical diagnostics and cancer therapy.
- The effects of clinically relevant single radiation doses on sperm are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of diagnostic and therapeutic ionizing radiation doses on human sperm.
- To assess impacts on sperm function and nuclear integrity.
Main Methods:
- Human sperm samples (n=96) were exposed in vitro to 14, 70, and 140 mGy of ionizing radiation.
- Evaluated parameters included sperm vitality, motility, chromatin deprotamination, DNA fragmentation, telomere length, oxidative stress, and capacitation markers.
Main Results:
- Ionizing radiation significantly reduced sperm vitality and motility, though values remained within WHO reference ranges.
- Increased chromatin deprotamination was observed at 70 and 140 mGy.
- No significant effects were found on DNA fragmentation, telomere length, oxidative stress, or capacitation.
Conclusions:
- Clinically relevant low-dose ionizing radiation causes minor impairments in sperm function and chromatin integrity.
- Findings support the safety of low-dose therapeutic radiation for mature spermatozoa.
- This study provides an in vitro model for exploring sperm radiosensitivity.
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