Sperm chromatin structure assay parameters are not related to fertilization rates, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, but might be related to spontaneous abortion rates.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) parameters, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS), and outcomes of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).


METHODS
Retrospective review and prospective study.


METHODS
Academic human reproduction laboratory.


METHODS
Two hundred twenty-three couples undergoing conventional IVF (n = 137) and ICSI (n = 86).


METHODS
Testing with SCSA on a semen aliquot taken from ejaculate used for assisted reproductive technology (ART).


METHODS
Conventional semen parameters, DFI, HDS, outcomes of IVF and ICSI.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in IVF and ICSI fertilization rate, good embryo rate, and pregnancy rate (PR) between high, moderate, and low DFI or HDS groups. Men with HDS >15% had significantly higher IVF abortion rates. There was a statistically insignificant trend toward an increased abortion rate in the high DFI (>27%) group. The DFI correlated negatively with sperm motility, and HDS correlated negatively with sperm morphology and concentration.


CONCLUSIONS
Neither DFI nor HDS scores can provide independent information about embryo quality, fertilization, and PRs for infertility patients undergoing ART. Sperm DNA fragmentation probably affects sperm motility. The relationship between HDS and IVF abortion rates provides preliminary evidence that ICSI may be indicated for men with HDS >15%. The potential adverse effect of sperm DNA damage on the quality of postimplantation embryo and spontaneous abortion should be a concern.
Lin
Ming-Huei
MH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Kuo-Kuang Lee
Robert
R
Li
Sheng-Hsiang
SH
Lu
Chung-Hao
CH
Sun
Fang-Ju
FJ
Hwu
Yuh-Ming
YM
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D002843:Chromatin / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D002843:Chromatin