DNA Fragmentation

The sperm DNA fragmentation refers to a breakage or to the damage in sperm's genetic material. the higher number of injuries, the lower integrity of genetic material and the chance to happen a pregnancy at no time.

Can these DNA damages be repair?
In some cases the oocyte can repair the DNA damage from the sperm that has fertilized it. This will depend on several factors: "The type of injury -The DNA percentage from the affected sperm and the oocytes quality, this parameter is usually linked to the patient´s age.

Is there any treatment that improves the DNA sperm fragmentation levels?
Some studies indicate that a treatment with antioxidants can significantly reduce the levels of DNA fragmentation. though, there exist the possibility that some patients do not respond to the treatment, especially when the DNA damage is induced by toxic factors or high temperatures.

Can a direct spermatobioscopy detect lesions in the genetic material of an sperm?
No, the ED values other sperm sample parameters such as sperm concentration, the motility or the morphology of these, but it does not take into account the integrity of the genetic material.

What causes any DNA damage from the sperm?
There are multiple causes and can be either intrinsic or induced by external factors. Intrinsic factors include:

Inefficient selection: harmed sperms are generally selected and eliminated, but if the mechanism fails, there appears sperm with DNA fragmented into the ejaculation.

Incorrect Maturation: The sperm undergo into a process of maturation in the epididy known as epididymal maturation. This maturation process leads to the nuclear chromatin packing with and the acquisition of sperm motility. If this process is not properly carried out can cause damage in the sperm DNA.

External factors include:

Damage induced by radio / chemotherapy.
Varicocele.
Episode of high fever.
Exposure to high temperatures
Acute and chronic inflammatory disease.

Under what circumstances is the DNA sperm fragmentation test indicated ?

1. This test is recommended in the following cases:
2. Idiopathic Infertility (unknown cause)
3. After repeated failures in the assisted reproduction techniques.
4. Cases in where there has been a poor embryo quality.
5. Patients who have had repeated abortions.
6. Varicocele.
7. Men aged over 45.
8. Feverish episode in the last 3 months.

While lebeled sperm such as a and b, have their intact DNA the rest have DNA fragmented.