Relationship between Sperm Parameters with Sperm Function Tests in Infertile Men with at Least One Failed Cycle after Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycle

Imbalance between production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity in testis, epididymis, and seminal fluid can eventually lead to subfertility and infertility. Abnormal chromatin packaging, and DNA fragmentation is considered as the main underlying causes. In this regard, we aimed to assess relationship between sperm parameters with DNA damage, protamine deficiency, persistent histones, and lipid peroxidation in infertile men with at least one failed ICSI cycle.

In this observational study, semen samples were collected from infertile men with at least one failed ICSI cycle (N=20). Sperm parameters, DNA damage, protamine deficiency, persistent histones, and lipid peroxidation were assessed using CASA system, SCSA and TUNEL assays, chromomycin A3, aniline blue, and BODIPY C11 staining, respectively.

A negative significant correlation was observed between sperm concentration with percentage of sperm persistent histones (r= -0.56; p=0.02), while positive significant correlations were found between percentage of sperm persistent histones with percentage of abnormal morphology (r= 0.54; p=0.02), CMA3-positive spermatozoa (r=o.6; p=0.008) and intensity of lipid peroxidation (r=0.6; p=0.01). In addition, significant correlation was observed between sperm DNA damage with intensity and percentage of lipid peroxidation (r=0.62; p=0.009). Correlation between CMA3-positive spermatozoa and intensity of lipid peroxidation (r=0.5; p=0.03) were also significant.

Observed significant correlations between sperm functional tests in infertile men with at least one failed ICSI cycle, indicated that the reduction of oxidative stress by antioxidant supplementation may be considered as one therapy approach that can improve sperm function and increase the chance of successful clinical outcomes in next assisted reproductive cycle.