title: [Effects of abnormal structure of sperm chromatin on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the effects of sperm chromatin structure abnormalities on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
  
  
  METHODS
  Sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin packaging defects were assessed in 136 couples undergoing IVF-ET because of infertility. The relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation, chromatin packaging defects and fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin packaging defect had a negative correlation with fertilization rate (r=-0.198, P<0.05, and r=-0.389, P<0.01, respectively). Both parameters were higher in couples who failed to achieve pregnancy than those who achieved clinical pregnancy (10.74% vs. 5.40%, P<0.01 and 23.58% vs. 11.83%, P<0.01, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Abnormality of sperm chromatin structure is one of the reasons for IVF-ET failure. Examination of sperm chromatin structure is helpful in predicting the risk of IVF-ET failure and optimizing treatment of infertility.
authors.affiliation: Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030 P. R. China.
authors.forename: Long-jie
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: GU
authors.forename: Zhen-wen
authors.initials: ZW
authors.lastname: CHEN
authors.forename: Wen-hong
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: LU
authors.forename: Jian-feng
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: XU
authors.forename: Mei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: LI
authors.forename: Zi-jiang
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: CHEN
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics*; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin