The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on in vitro fertilization outcomes of unexplained infertility

Abstract Background Infertility is caused by heterogeneous risks, but most of them are unexplained. The sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) was increasingly acknowledged as a parameter for the evaluation of male infertility. This study aimed to investigate the association between sperm DFI and laboratory and clinical outcomes in a population with unexplained infertility. Methods The clinical data of an infertile population was collected for the selection of reproductive patients with unexplained infertility. The authors classified the patients with normal sperm parameters in a control group (DFI < 25%) and an observation group (DFI ≥ 25%) and compared the difference in basal characteristics, laboratory, and clinical outcomes between the two groups. The authors conducted a correlation analysis to examine the relationship between DFI and the number of D3 good-quality embryos, as well as the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. A total of 176 cases were enrolled in the retrospective study. Results The observation group (n = 88) showed advanced male age, lower sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology assessment than the control group. In addition, lower No. of D3 good-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy rate, and the live birth rate were shown in the observation group. A negative correlation between the DFI and No. of D3 good-quality embryos (rs = -0.347, p < 0.001) or live birth rate (rs = -0.185, p = 0.028) was shown. Conclusions Sperm DFI was a good indicator for the prediction of D3 good-quality embryos in unexplained infertility couples, but it did not provide sufficient information regarding clinical pregnancy outcome but live pregnancy outcome.

Random sperm DNA fragmentation index is not associated with clinical outcomes in day-3 frozen embryo transfer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Damage to sperm DNA was proposed to play an important role in embryonic development. Previous studies focused on outcomes after fresh embryo transfer, whereas this study investigated the influence of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on laboratory and clinical outcomes after frozen embryo transfer (FET). This retrospective study examined 381 couples using cleavage-stage FET. Sperm used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) underwent density gradient centrifugation and swim up processing. Sperm DFI had a negative correlation with sperm motility (r = -0.640, P < 0.01), sperm concentration (r = -0.289, P < 0.01), and fertilization rate of IVF cycles (r = -0.247, P < 0.01). Sperm DFI examined before and after density gradient centrifugation/swim up processing was markedly decreased after processing (17.1% vs 2.4%, P < 0.01; 65 randomly picked couples). Sperm progressive motility was significantly reduced in high DFI group compared with low DFI group for both IVF and ICSI (IVF: 46.9% ± 12.4% vs 38.5% ± 12.6%, respectively; ICSI: 37.6% ± 14.1% vs 22.3% ± 17.8%, respectively; both P < 0.01). The fertilization rate was significantly lower in high ( ≥25%) DFI group compared with low (<25%) DFI group using IVF (73.3% ± 23.9% vs 53.2% ± 33.6%, respectively; P < 0.01) but was equivalent in high and low DFI groups using ICSI. Embryonic development and clinical outcomes after FET were equivalent for low and high DFI groups using ICSI or IVF. In this study, sperm DFI did not provide sufficient information regarding embryo development or clinical outcomes for infertile couples using FET.

Influence of the sperm DNA fragmentation index on the outcome of rescue ICSI and the clinical value of rescue ICSI / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#As a remedy for the failure of in vitro fertilization (IVF), rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (R-ICSI) has been widely carried out, but it has failed to significantly improve the fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was highly correlated with pregnancy outcome of artificial assisted reproduction. This study aims to investigate the effect of the sperm DFI on the outcome of R-ICSI and the clinical value of R-ICSI.@*METHODS@#This retrospective analysis was conducted among 140 infertile couples receiving R-ICSI in from January 2014 to December 2019. The subjects were assigned into a total fertilization failure (TFF)+low DFI group (R-ICSI after TFF and DFI<30%) (n=63), a TFF+high DFI group (R-ICSI after TFF and DFI≥30%) (n=16), a partial fertilization failure (PFF)+low DFI group (R-ICSI after PFF and DFI<30%) (n=52), a PFF+high DFI group (R-ICSI after PFF and DFI≥30%) (n=9). All transferred embryos were come from R-ICSI. The general clinical data [infertility duration, male age, female age, basal serum level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), basal serum level of luteinizing hormone (LH), antral follicle count, endometrial thickness of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day, and eggs] and R-ICSI cycle outcomes (fertilization rate, normal fertilization rate, cleavage rate, good embryo rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate) were analyzed. In addition, the effect of R-ICSI on the fertilization outcome of conventional IVF total fertilization failure and partial fertilization failure was explored.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in the general clinical data and R-ICSI cycle outcome between the TFF+low DFI group and the TFF+high DFI group (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the general clinical data between the PFF+low DFI group and the PFF+high DFI group (all P>0.05). The fertilization rate and normal fertilization rate in the PFF+low DFI group were significantly higher than those in the PFF+high DFI group (85.40% vs 72.41%, 71.90% vs 58.62%, respectively; both P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in cleavage rate, good embryo rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). The R-ICSI cycle of TFF: A total of 79 fresh cycles, 57 fresh transplant cycles, a total of 761 unfertilized oocytes, and 584 M II oocytes were treated with R-ICSI, the fertilization rate was 83.22%, the normal fertilization rate was 75.51%, the cleavage rate was 98.15%, the good embryo rate was 40.74%, the implantation rate was 30.56%, and the clinical pregnancy rate was 43.86%; 29 live births were obtained. The R-ICSI cycle of PFF: A total of 61 fresh cycles, 31 fresh transplant cycles, a total of 721 unfertilized oocytes, and 546 M II oocytes were treated with R-ICSI; the fertilization rate was 83.33%, the normal fertilization rate was 69.78%, the cleavage rate was 97.36%, the good embryo rate was 44.39%, the implantation rate was 25.42%, and the clinical pregnancy rate was 45.16%; 12 live births were obtained.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the case of partial fertilization failure of IVF, the sperm DFI affects the fertilization rate and normal fertilization rate of R-ICSI; whether it is a TFF of IVF or PFF of IVF, ICSI can be used as an effective remedy way.

Effects of sperm DNA fragmentation index on semen parameters and pregnancy outcomes in intrauterine insemination / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the correlation of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) level with semen parameters and pregnancy outcomes of artificial insemination of the husband (AIH) in the cycle of intrauterine insemination (IUI).@*METHODS@#We collected the clinical data on 777 cases of IUI, including female clinical indicators, male semen parameters, sperm DFI and pregnancy outcomes. According to the DFI level, we divided the patients into three groups: DFI < 15%, 15% ≤ DFI < 30% and DFI ≥ 30%.@*RESULTS@#The sperm DFI level was significantly elevated with the increased age of the males (P = 0.002) and closely related to the total number of motile sperm (P = 0.002) and total sperm motility (P = 0.000) before treatment, as well as to sperm concentration (P = 0.000), total sperm motility (P = 0.001) and total number of progressively motile sperm (P = 0.000) after density gradient centrifugation. The rate of clinical pregnancy was decreased in the DFI ≥ 30% group. There were no statistically significant differences between sperm DFI and the rates of clinical pregnancy and abortion.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Male age significantly affects the sperm DFI level. Sperm DFI is closely related to sperm motility and total number of progressively motile sperm, but not to the rates of clinical pregnancy and abortion in patients undergoing IUI. IUI can be used as an effective method of assisted reproduction for male infertility./.

Green tea extract as a cryoprotectant additive to preserve the motility and DNA integrity of human spermatozoa / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Cryopreservation impairs sperm quality and functions, including motility and DNA integrity. Antioxidant additives in sperm freezing media have previously brought improvements in postthawed sperm quality. Green tea extract (GTE) is widely considered as an excellent antioxidant, and its beneficial role has been proven in other human cells. This study aims to evaluate the GTE as a potential additive in cryopreservation media of human spermatozoa. In part one, the semen of 20 normozoospermic men was used to optimize the concentration of GTE that maintains sperm motility and DNA integrity against oxidative stress, induced by hydrogen peroxide (H

Use of testicular sperm in couples with SCSA-defined high sperm DNA fragmentation and failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection using ejaculated sperm / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been linked with male infertility, and previous studies suggest that SDF can have negative influence on pregnancy outcomes with assisted reproduction. We performed a retrospective review of consecutive couples with a high SDF level that had intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using testicular sperm (T-ICSI). We compared the T-ICSI outcomes to that of two control groups: 87 couples with failed first ICSI cycle and who had a second ICSI cycle using ejaculated sperm (Ej-ICSI), and 48 consecutive couples with high sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA)-defined SDF (>15%) that underwent an ICSI cycle using ejaculated sperm after one or more failed ICSI cycles (Ej-ICSI-high SDF). The mean number of oocytes that were retrieved and the total number of embryos were not different among the three groups. The mean number of transferred embryos in the T-ICSI group was higher than the Ej-ICSI group but not significantly different than the Ej-ICSI-high SDF group (1.4, 1.2, and 1.3, respectively, P 0.05). No significant difference was found in live birth rate when comparing T-ICSI to Ej-ICSI and Ej-ICSI-high SDF groups. The results suggest that pregnancy outcomes and live birth rates with T-ICSI are not significantly superior to Ej-ICSI in patients with an elevated SCSA-defined sperm DNA fragmentation and prior ICSI failure(s).

Correlation of Mycoplasma genitalium infection with semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity in male infertility patients / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the relationship of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infection with routine semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity in male infertility patients.@*METHODS@#Totally, 114 semen samples, 34 MG-positive and 80 MG-negative, were collected from male infertility patients and subjected to routine semen analysis with the computer-assisted sperm analysis system, Papanicolaou staining for observation of sperm morphology, and sperm chromatin diffusion (SCD) test for detection of sperm DNA integrity. Semen parameters and DNA integrity were compared between the MG-positive and MG-negative groups with SPSS 21.0 statistical software and the relationship between the semen parameters and DNA integrity analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.@*RESULTS@#The MG-positive samples, compared with the MG-negative ones, showed significantly decreased semen volume (［2.87 ± 0.37］ vs ［3.86 ± 0.43］ ml, P 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#MG infection may be an important factor affecting sperm quality in male infertility patients. Active prevention and treatment of MG infection can help prevent male infertility.

Correlation of sperm DNA fragmentation index with semen parameters / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the relationship of sperm DNA fragmenation index (DFI) with semen parameters and assess its application value in the evaluation of semen quality.@*METHODS@#A total of 9 694 semen samples were collected and examined for sperm DFI and high DNA stainability (HDS) by flow cytometry-assisted sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA). According to the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (5th Ed), the samples were divided into a normal group and abnormal groups A (sperm concentration ［SC］: ［11.3－14.0］ ×10⁶/ml, total sperm motility ［TSM］: 30%－39%, progressively motile sperm ［PMS］: 24%－31%), B (SC: ［7.5－11.2］ ×10⁶/ml, TSM: 20%－29%, PMS: 16%－23%), C (SC: ［3.8－7.4］ ×10⁶/ml, TSM: 10%－,19% PMS: 8%－15%) and D (SC: ［0－3.7］×10⁶/ml, TSM: 0－9%, PMS: 0－7%), and also into three sperm DFI groups (DFI 30%). The correlation between sperm DFI and seminal parameters was analyzed by Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses.@*RESULTS@#DFI was dramatically lower in the normal than in the abnormal groups (P < 0.01), and increased in proportion to the decrease of semen parameters in the abnormal groups A, B, C and D (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis showed that DFI was correlated positively with age (r = 0.15, P < 0.01), abstinence time (r = 0.10, P < 0.01), semen volume (r = 0.05, P < 0.01) and HDS (r = 0.15, P < 0.01), but negatively with semen pH (r = －0.06, P < 0.01), SC (r = －0.27, P < 0.01), TSM (r = －0.53, P < 0.01), PMS (r = －0.52, P < 0.01) and morphologically normal sperm (r = －0.16, P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that TSM, SC, age, abstinence time and semen pH were five important variables associated with DFI, with standardized regression coefficients of －0.47, －0.19, 0.12, 0.07, and －0.04, respectively (all P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is a moderate correlation between sperm DFI and semen parameters, which can be used synergistically for the assessment of semen quality.

Leptin and its actions on reproduction in males / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, serves numerous physiological functions in the body, particularly during puberty and reproduction. The exact mechanism by which leptin activates the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons to trigger puberty and reproduction remains unclear. Given the widespread distribution of leptin receptors in the body, both central and peripheral mechanisms involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis have been hypothesized. Leptin is necessary for normal reproductive function, but when present in excess, it can have detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. Human and animal studies point to leptin as a link between infertility and obesity, a suggestion that is corroborated by findings of low sperm count, increased sperm abnormalities, oxidative stress, and increased leptin levels in obese men. In addition, daily leptin administration to normal-weight rats has been shown to result in similar abnormalities in sperm parameters. The major pathways causing these abnormalities remain unidentified; however, these adverse effects have been attributed to leptin-induced increased oxidative stress because they are prevented by concurrently administering melatonin. Studies on leptin and its impact on sperm function are highly relevant in understanding and managing male infertility, particularly in overweight and obese men.

Effect on sperm quality of asthenospermia and oligospermia treated with grain-moxibustion combined with medicine therapy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of grain-moxibustion combined with medicine therapy for asthenospermia and oligospermia.@*METHODS@#A tatal of 60 patients were randomized into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases) according to 1︰1 ratio. In the control group, vitamin E capsules were taken orally one capsule each time, twice a day, and pills 6 g each time, three times a day for a total of 3 months. In the observation group, grain-moxibustion was applied at Guanyuan (CV 4)，Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) based on the control group, once a week for 3 months, with a total of 12 times. The sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility were measured by automatic sperm quality analysis system in the two groups, and the clinical effects were compared. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in the observation group was measured by sperm nucleus chromosome structure assay (SCSA).@*RESULTS@#①The sperm concentrations and sperm progressive motilities after 1-month, 2-month and 3-month of treatment were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (<0.01), and they were increased with time. In the two groups, 2-month and 1-month of treatment, 3-month and 2-month of treatment were compared, the sperm concentrations and sperm progressive motilities were significantly increased (<0.01). The sperm concentrations after 1-month, 2-month and 3-month of treatment in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (<0.01), the sperm progressive motility after 3-month of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (<0.05). ②After 3-month of treatment，the DFI in the observation group was significantly reduced compared with that before treatment (<0.01). ③The total effective rate in the observation group after 3-month of treatment was 86.7% (26/30), which was superior to 63.3% (19/30) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Grain-moxibustion combined with medicine therapy can improve sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility, enhance the integrity of sperm DNA.

Effect of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Embryo Quality in Normal Responder Women in In Vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

PURPOSE: To investigate the associations between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and embryo formation rate in normal responder women to in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive, fresh IVF/ICSI cycles performed from 2014 to 2017 were selected. All women were normal responders (4 to 14 mature oocytes were retrieved) and at least one normally fertilized oocyte with two pronuclei was obtained in all cycles. Semen was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval, and SDF levels were measured by sperm chromatin dispersion test (Halosperm assay). At day 3 after insemination, embryo quality was evaluated by morphologic criteria and categorized as A/B/C/D. Top quality embryo were defined as grade A embryos with seven cells or more. RESULTS: SDF levels showed a positive linear correlation with the male's age (r=0.307, p=0.025) and a negative linear correlation with sperm motility (r=−0.491, p70%, the cut-off value SDF was <30.7% for each. Among individuals with SDF <30.7%, the median top-quality or grade A embryo formation rate was significantly higher than that among individuals with SDF ≥30.7% (38.1% vs. 20.0%, p=0.038; 50% vs. 25.0%, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: In normal responder women, high SDF level resulted in low day 3 embryo formation rates. Our results suggest a paternal effect on embryo quality in IVF/ICSI cycles.

Leptin and its actions on reproduction in males / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, serves numerous physiological functions in the body, particularly during puberty and reproduction. The exact mechanism by which leptin activates the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons to trigger puberty and reproduction remains unclear. Given the widespread distribution of leptin receptors in the body, both central and peripheral mechanisms involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis have been hypothesized. Leptin is necessary for normal reproductive function, but when present in excess, it can have detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. Human and animal studies point to leptin as a link between infertility and obesity, a suggestion that is corroborated by findings of low sperm count, increased sperm abnormalities, oxidative stress, and increased leptin levels in obese men. In addition, daily leptin administration to normal-weight rats has been shown to result in similar abnormalities in sperm parameters. The major pathways causing these abnormalities remain unidentified; however, these adverse effects have been attributed to leptin-induced increased oxidative stress because they are prevented by concurrently administering melatonin. Studies on leptin and its impact on sperm function are highly relevant in understanding and managing male infertility, particularly in overweight and obese men.

Use of testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in men with high sperm DNA fragmentation: A SWOT analysis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Spermatozoa retrieved from the testis of men with high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in the neat semen tend to have better DNA quality. Given the negative impact of SDF on the outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), an increased interest has emerged about the use of testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (Testi-ICSI). In this article, we used a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to summarize the advantages and drawbacks of this intervention. The rationale of Testi-ICSI is bypass posttesticular DNA fragmentation caused by oxidative stress during sperm transit through the epididymis. Hence, oocyte fertilization by genomically intact testicular spermatozoa may be optimized, thus increasing the chances of creating a normal embryonic genome and the likelihood of achieving a live birth, as recently demonstrated in men with high SDF. However, there is still limited evidence as regards the clinical efficacy of Testi-ICSI, thus creating opportunities for further confirmatory clinical research as well as investigation of Testi-ICSI in clinical scenarios other than high SDF. Furthermore, Testi-ICSI can be compared to other laboratory preparation methods for deselecting sperm with damaged DNA. At present, the available literature supports the use of testicular sperm when performing ICSI in infertile couples whose male partners have posttesticular SDF. Due to inherent risks of sperm retrieval, Testi-ICSI should be offered when less invasive treatments for alleviating DNA damage have failed. A call for continuous monitoring is nonetheless required concerning the health of generated offspring and the potential complications of sperm retrieval.

Combined therapy of Compound Xuanju Capsules and traditional Chinese medicinal formula for infertility in male smokers / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the clinical effects of the combined therapy of Compound Xuanju Capsules (CXJC) and traditional Chinese medicinal formula on infertility in male smokers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 176 male infertility patients were divided into a smoking and a non-smoking group and the former further divided into mild, moderate and heavy smokers according to the daily consumption of cigarettes and the length of smoking history. The patients were treated with CXJC combined with traditional Chinese medicinal formula for 3 four-week courses and the therapeutic results were evaluated by comparing the indicators of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome, routine semen parameters, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) among different groups before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The baseline TCM syndrome scores were remarkably higher in the heavy smokers than in the non-smoking group (P < 0.05) but showed no statistically significant differences between the mild and moderate smokers (P > 0.05). The baseline percentage of sperm head defects and DFI were also markedly higher in the heavy and moderate smokers than in the non-smoking group (P < 0.05). Compared with the baseline, significant improvement was achieved after treatment in the TCM syndrome, routine semen parameters, sperm morphology and sperm DFI, especially in the heavy smokers in the percentages of grade a+b sperm (［17.12 ± 2.54］ vs ［30.15 ± 3.10］%, P < 0.05), morphologically normal sperm (［15.54 ± 1.98］ vs ［26.82 ± 3.52］%, P < 0.05), and head-defective sperm (［27.02 ± 2.14］ vs ［22.07 ± 1.52］%, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Sperm quality is significantly decreased while the risk of infertility remarkably increased in moderate and heavy smokers. The combined therapy of CXJC and traditional Chinese medicinal formula can effectively improve semen quality, sperm morphology and sperm DFI in male smokers with infertility, though more evidence is to be collected from further studies.</p>

Correlation of sperm DNA fragmentation index with age and semen parameters in infertile men / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To explore the correlation of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with age, sperm concentration and sperm motility in infertile men.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected semen samples from 531 infertile males in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2017. We determined the semen parameters using the computer-assisted semen analysis system, measured the sperm DFI by sperm chromatin structure assay, and analyzed the correlation of the sperm DFI with the age, sperm concentration and sperm motility of the patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the increase of age, the infertile males showed a significantly decreased proportion of the sperm with a DFI ≤15% and elevated proportion of the sperm with a DFI ≥25%, with a positive correlation between age and sperm DFI (r = 0.653, P < 0.01). With the increase of sperm concentration and motility, however, the proportion of the sperm with a DFI ≤15% was remarkably increased while that of the sperm with 15%<DFI<25% and ≥25% markedly reduced, both sperm concentration and motility negatively correlated with the sperm DFI (r = －0.246, P < 0.01 and r = －0.406, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The sperm DFI is significantly correlated with age, sperm concentration and sperm motility, and therefore can be used as an important index for the evaluation of semen quality. A comprehensive analysis of the sperm DFI and semen parameters may contribute to an accurate assessment of male fertility.</p>

ICSI significantly improved the pregnancy rate of patients with a high sperm DNA fragmentation index / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Correlations between semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were investigated to identify characteristics of sperm without DNA damage that could be used in selecting sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Pregnancy outcomes were compared to determine whether in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ICSI is a better choice for patients who have sperm with a high-DFI. METHODS: Semen analysis was carried out in 388 patients who visited our IVF center for the first time to investigate correlations between sperm DFI and semen parameters. In addition, 1,102 IVF cycles in 867 patients were carried out in the present study; 921 cycles in the low-DFI group (DFI <30%) and 181 cycles in the high-DFI group (DFI ≥30%). Both the low- and high-DFI groups were subdivided into IVF and ICSI cycle groups. RESULTS: Sperm DFI showed significant inverse correlations with sperm motility (r=−0.435, p<0.001) and morphology (r=−0.153, p<0.05). Sperm DFI also showed significant correlations with rapid motility (r=−0.436, p<0.001), and the kinetic parameters of average-path velocity (r=−0.403) and linearity (r=−0.412). Although there was no significant difference in the pregnancy rates between IVF (48.6%) and ICSI (44.8%) in the low-DFI group, the pregnancy rate of ICSI cycles (44.8%, p<0.05) was significantly higher than IVF cycles (25.0%) in the high-DFI group. No significant difference was observed in the abortion rates between the low-DFI (52 of 921, 5.6%) and high-DFI groups (7 of 181, 3.8%). CONCLUSION: ICSI is a better choice than IVF for improving the pregnancy outcomes of patients who have sperm with a high DFI.

Tongjingling improves sperm DNA integrity and reduces oxidative stress in the testis of experimental varicocele rats / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the protective effect of Tongjingling (TJL) against sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress in the rat model of experimental varicocele (EVC).@*METHODS@#We randomly divided 75 Wistar male rats into five groups of equal number: sham operation, EVC model, high-dose TJL, mid-dose TJL, and low-dose TJL. The EVC model was established in the rats by partial ligation of the left renal vein, followed by 8 weeks of medication from the 4th week after modeling. Then we observed the general status of the rats, detected the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in the epididymis by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), and measured the content of hydroperoxide (H2O2) and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testis by colorimetry.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham operation group, the EVC models showed significantly increased sperm DFI in the epididymis (P <0.01) and elevated level of H2O2 and activities of CAT and SOD in the testis (P <0.01). In comparison with the EVC models, the rats of the TJL groups exhibited remarkably reduced sperm DFI and H2O2 content, but increased activities of SOD and CAT.@*CONCLUSIONS@#TJL can improve sperm DNA integrity by increasing the activities of SOD and CAT and reducing the H2O2 level and hence oxidative stress in the testis tissue.

Impacts of Chk1 and Chk2 gene expressions on sperm concentration and motility / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To study the correlation of the gene expressions of Chk1 and Chk2 with sperm concentration and motility.@*METHODS@#According to sperm concentration and motility (percentage of progressively motile sperm), we divided 80 semen samples into four groups of equal number: normal control, oligozoospermia (OS), asthenospermia (AS), and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS). We detected the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and viability and determined the expressions of Chk1 and Chk2 in the sperm by RT-PCR and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Statistically significant differences were not found in sperm DFI among the control, OS, AS, and OAS groups (21.24±6.93, 19.67±7.64, 21.52±6.92, and 19.28±11.55, P>0.05), but observed in sperm concentration, progressive motility, and viability between the DFI >30% and DFI ≤30% groups (P<0.01). Compared with the normal control, sperm viability was remarkably decreased in the OS, AS, and OAS groups (［83.48±9.87］% vs ［63.86±9.16］%, ［50.45±16.99］%, and ［39.21±15.74］%, P<0.05). RT-PCR showed remarkable differences among the control, OS, AS, and OAS groups in the relative expression level of Chk1 mRNA (0.73±0.22, 0.62±0.14, 1.03±0.39, and 0.92±0.071, P<0.01), which was correlated positively with sperm concentration (b = 80.661, P<0.01) but negatively with sperm motility (b = －19.275, P < 0.01), as well as in that of Chk2 mRNA (0.66±0.30, 0.27±0.09, 0.59±0.19, and 0.42 ± 0.11, P<0.01), which was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (b = －90.809, P<0.01) but positively with sperm motility (b = 27.507, P <0.01). The relative expression levels of the Chk1 protein were significantly different among the four groups (0.63±0.05, 0.42±0.03, 1.13±0.08, and 0.87±0.07, P<0.01), which was correlated positively with sperm concentration (b = 55.74, P<0.01) but negatively with sperm motility (b =－22.649, P<0.01), and so were those of the Chk2 protein (1.23±0.36, 0.37±0.16, 0.87±0.08, and 0.68±0.12, P<0.01), which was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (b =－53.001, P<0.01) but positively with sperm motility (b = 16.676, P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Chk1 and Chk2 are significantly expressed in human sperm. In case of sperm DNA damage, up-regulated Chk1 expression may enhance sperm apoptosis and lead to asthenospermia, while increased Chk2 expression may inhibit spermatogenesis and result in oligospermia.

Sperm chromatin structure assay versus sperm chromatin dispersion test in detecting sperm DNA integrity and correlation of sperm DNA fragmentation with semen parameters / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is widely used to predict male infertility and the methods of detecting SDF are varied. This study aimed to compare two methods of SDF detection and investigate the correlation between SDF and sperm quality.@*METHODS@#Using sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD), we detected SDF in 108 semen samples collected in the Center of Reproduction and Genetics of Suzhou Municipal Hospital. We compared the results of the two methods and analyzed the correlations of SDF routine semen parameters, sperm morphology and the age of the patients.@*RESULTS@#A significant consistency was found in the SDF index (DFI) between the two methods (P<0.01). The DFI was correlated negatively with sperm motility, the percentage of progressively motile sperm, and that of morphologically normal sperm (P <0.01), but positively with the teratozoospermia index (P <0.01 in SCSA and P <0.05 in SCD). The DFI measured by SCSA showed a significantly positive correlation with the patients' age (P <0.01), but not that obtained by SCD.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of both SCSA and SCD play an important role in predicting sperm quality. As a clinical index, the DFI has a predictive value for male infertility. However, the results of different detecting methods vary widely, which calls for further studies on their standardization.

Effects of sperm morphology, sperm DNA fragment index and seminal plasma zinc on pregnancy outcome of IVF-ET / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate the influence of sperm morphology, sperm DNA fragmentation index and seminal plasma zinc on pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).MethodsA total of 341 infertile couples underwent IVF-ET were selected from January 2016 to June 2016 in our hospital.Sperm morphology, sperm DNA fragmentation index and seminal plasma zinc level were compared according to pregnancy.ResultsIn 341 cases, 204 cases pregnancy and 137 cases of no pregnancy, with the pregnancy rate of 59.8%(204/341).Compared with the pregnancy group, the percentage of normal sperm percentage was low, the abnormal sperm index was higher in the non-pregnant group (P<0.05), the sperm DNA index was higher (P<0.05).The percentage of normal sperm, sperm DNA fragmentation index and seminal plasma zinc and pregnancy rate in sperm morphology were linear (P<0.05), And there was a negative correlation between abnormal sperm index and sperm DNA fragment index (P<0.05), and other indicators were positively correlated (P<0.05).ConclusionSperm morphology, sperm DNA fragmentation index and seminal plasma zinc levels may influence the outcome of IVF-ET.The above parameters can be used to predict pregnancy outcome of IVF-ET.