Evaluation of protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation in two globozoospermia patients undergoing ICSI

ABSTRACT

The aim of this report has been evaluating protamine content and DNA integrity of two patients with globozoospermia undergoing ICSI. Semen analysis was carried out according to WHO criteria. Protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation was assessed using Chromomycin A3 and sperm chromatin dispersion assay respectively. ICSI and chemical activation were carried out on inseminated oocyte. Both cases demonstrated high degrees of protamine deficiency, while one of the cases indicated high level of DNA fragmentation, too. High fertilization rates were achieved in both cases. However, embryo transfer did not lead to implantation or pregnancy. Artificial oocyte activation overcomes low fertilization rate reported in cases with high level of protamine deficiency. In the present study, failed implantation in one of the cases may be caused by high DNA fragmentation