Sperm DNA fragmentation negatively correlates with velocity and fertilization rates but might not affect pregnancy rates
Received 19 April 2004; accepted 16 August 2004.
Objective
To evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation in correlation with sperm parameters and IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.
Design
Retrospective review.
Setting
A tertiary infertility referral clinic.
Patient(s)
We collected 303 semen samples from patients undergoing IVF with or without ICSI.
Intervention(s)
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, measurement of fertilization rates, good embryo rates, and pregnancy rates for the IVF/ICSI program.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
The percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation, correlated with semen analysis parameters and IVF/ICSI outcomes.
Result(s)
Sperm DNA fragmentation rates were significantly higher in patients with abnormal sperm parameters than in those with normal sperm parameters. When sperm DNA fragmentation was >10%, fertilization rates were affected. Sperm DNA fragmentation rates were negatively correlated with sperm velocity parameters but did not affect pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusion(s)
The results indicated that sperm DNA fragmentation affects fertilization rates and sperm motility but might not affect pregnancy rates.
ABSTRACT