DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction and chromosomal aneuploidy in the spermatozoa of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic males.
OBJECTIVE
This study determined the incidence of sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chromosomal aneuploidy. The results were correlated with the semen analysis parameters and fertilization rates.


METHODS
Semen samples from 10 men showing oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) and undergoing ICSI treatment were analyzed. Another semen samples from 10 men showing normozoospermia and undergoing IVF treatment were analyzed for comparison. The samples were prepared using a two-step discontinuous Percoll gradient (80%-50%) and analyzed using a Hamilton-Thorne Integrated Visual Optical System (IVOS) Sperm Analyzer. DNA fragmentation was detected with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end label (TUNEL) assay. Functional integrity of mitochondria was detected using an Apoalert Mitochondrial Membrane Sensor Kit. Chromosomal aneuploidy was assayed by fluorescence in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
Higher sperm DNA fragmentation rate (18.8% vs. 2.8%), mitochondrial dysfunction rate (24.9% vs. 5.7%), and chromosomal aneuploidy rate (0.12% vs. 0.06%) were found in the oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients in comparison with the normozoospermic patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The result indicates that spermatozoa from oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients contain greater DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chromosomal aneuploidy. Because extremely poor semen samples are the indication for ICSI treatment, the result indicates the importance of selecting good quality sperm for oocyte injection.
Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Chung-Hsien
CH
Liu
Hui-Mei
HM
Tsao
Tzu-Chun
TC
Cheng
Hui-Mei
HM
Wu
Chun-Chia
CC
Huang
Chung-I
CI
Chen
David Pei-cheng
DP
Lin
Maw-Sheng
MS
Lee
D000328:Adult; D000782:Aneuploidy; D053938:DNA Fragmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000473:pathology*; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013076:Sperm Count; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000592:standards; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology