Correlation between DNA defect and sperm-head morphology.
The utility of sperm DNA testing remains controversial. However, it may be helpful in couples with unexplained failures of multiple assisted reproductive techniques and/or recurrent abortions. This study analysed 10,400 spermatozoa of 26 patients for sperm-head morphology with high-magnification microscopy, DNA fragmentation and sperm chromatin decondensation. A significant negative correlation was demonstrated between sperm-parameters and abnormal sperm-head morphology as assessed by high magnification (score 0 according to this study's classification): concentration (r=-0.41; P=0.03), motility (r=-0.42; P=0.03), morphology (r=-0.63; P=0.0008). No correlation was found with DNA fragmentation. However, the sperm chromatin-decondensation rate of score-0 spermatozoa was twice as high as the controls (19.5% versus 10.1%; P<0.0001). This observation suggests that score-0 spermatozoa should not be selected for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Art Unit, Drouot Laboratory, Paris, France. guycassuto@labodrouot.com
Nino G
NG
Cassuto
André
A
Hazout
Ibrahim
I
Hammoud
Richard
R
Balet
Dominique
D
Bouret
Yona
Y
Barak
Sonia
S
Jellad
Jean Marie
JM
Plouchart
Jacqueline
J
Selva
Chadi
C
Yazbeck
D000328:Adult; D002843:Chromatin / Q000502:physiology; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000502:physiology*; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000473:pathology*; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000002:abnormalities*
D002843:Chromatin