Sperm DNA and chromatin integrity in semen samples used for intrauterine insemination

Background

Sperm DNA damage is associated with male infertility but whether normozoospermic infertile men also have DNA damage is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate sperm DNA and chromatin integrity in men with mild male factor infertility.

Design, setting and participants

Prospective study of 102 consecutive men (78 normozoospermic, 15 asthenozoospermic, 9 oligozoospermic) enrolled for intrauterine insemination (IUI) and 15 fertile controls.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Standard semen parameters and sperm chromatin and DNA integrity were assessed and compared between groups. Sperm chromatin quality was assessed by (1) aniline blue staining (AB is specific to histone lysines), (2) iodoacetamide fluorescein fluorescence (IAF targets free protamine sulfhydryl groups) and (3) sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) with the results expressed as % DNA fragmentation index (%DFI).

Results and limitations

The mean (±SD) percentage of spermatozoa with positive IAF fluorescence was significantly higher in the IUI population compared to fertile controls (17 %?±?10 % vs. 8 %?±?6 %, P?=?0.0011) and also in the normozoospermic subset (n?=?78) compared to controls (16 %?±?9 % vs. 8 %?±?6 %, P?r?=??0.40, P?r?=?0.58, P?ConclusionsThe data indicate that sperm chromatin integrity may be abnormal in men enrolled in IUI treatment cycles, despite the fact that most of these men are normozoospermic.