title: 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.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Ming-Huei
authors: MH
authors: Lin
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Kuo-Kuang Lee
authors: Sheng-Hsiang
authors: SH
authors: Li
authors: Chung-Hao
authors: CH
authors: Lu
authors: Fang-Ju
authors: FJ
authors: Sun
authors: Yuh-Ming
authors: YM
authors: Hwu
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin