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Fragmentation of spermatic DNA
The fragmentation of spermatic DNA was recently discovered as a cause of male infertility and high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation are associated to pregnancy failure. The test is objective and clearly demonstrates that morphologically normal and motile spermatozoa can present high levels of DNA fragmentation. The cutoff for subfertility/infertility is 20% of DNA fragmentation. Percents higher than these do not exclude a normal fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy, but they are associated to a decrease in pregnancy and increase in abortion. Even men with normal sperm analysis can have this disorder.
The fragmentation of spermatic DNA is a result of multiple factors: diet, drugs, high fever, high testicular temperature, pollution, smoking habit and age. Excepting from advanced age, the spermatic DNA fragmentation can be transitory. The individual with high spermatic DNA fragmentation can be benefited with the treatment with anti-oxidants as vitamin C and E before the in vitro fertilization, or be submitted to a testicular biopsy for retrieval of sperm with low DNA fragmentation.
