Sperm DNA fragmentation as a result of ultra‐endurance exercise training in male athletes |
| |
Authors: | D Vaamonde C Algar‐Santacruz A Abbasi J M García‐Manso |
| |
Institution: | 1. Morphological Sciences Department, School of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain;2. International Network on Physical Exercise and Fertility (INPEF), Cordoba, Spain;3. Nutrir. Nutrición Médica y Ejercicio, Cordoba, Spain;4. Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND Institute) University of California, Irvine;5. Physical Education Department, School of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, Las Palmas, Spain |
| |
Abstract: | Intensive sports practice seems to exert negative effects on semen parameters; in order to assess these effects, the objective of this study was to assess semen, including DNA fragmentation, and hormone parameters in elite triathletes. Twelve high‐level triathletes preparing for a National Triathlon Championship participated in the study. The qualitative sperm parameters analysed were volume, sperm count, motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation; when needed, additional testing was performed. Assessed hormones were testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and testosterone–cortisol ratio (T/C). Maximum oxygen consumption and training characteristics were also assessed. Hormonal values and physical semen parameters were within normal ranges. DNA fragmentation showed high values (20.4 ± 6.1%). Round cells in semen were higher than normal (2.8 ± 1.5 million/ml), with the presence of macrophages. Correlations were found for several parameters: concentration of round cells positively correlated with progressive sperm motility (p = .01) and sperm morphology (p = .02); contrarily, the correlation found with DNA fragmentation was negative (p = .04). Sperm DNA fragmentation and the T/C ratio, however, were correlated in a positive manner (p = .03). As evidenced by the observed results, sperm DNA fragmentation is affected by high‐level sports practice; therefore, high loads of endurance training could potentially interfere with the athlete's fertility potential. |
| |
Keywords: | endurance training hormones macrophages semen triathlon |
|
|