Sperm DNA fragmentation assay by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD): correlation between DNA fragmentation and outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection

T. Sivanarayana; Ch. Ravi Krishna; G. Jaya Prakash; K. M. Krishna; K. Madan; G. Sudhakar; G. A. Rama Raju

Gynecology Division, Krishna IVF Clinic, Visakhapatnam, India; Embryology Research Group, Krishna IVF Clinic, Visakhapatnam, India; Genetics Department, Krishna IVF Clinic, Visakhapatnam, India; Department of Human Genetics, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation index (sDFI) and outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Methods: All the patients were divided into two groups based on sperm DNA fragmentation analysis by the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) method. A total of 237 patients were in the DNA fragmentation normal group (sDFI ≤ 30 %), and 140 patients were in the DNA fragmentation abnormal group (sDFI ≥ 30 %). The relationship of sDFI with the outcome of ICSI was analyzed.

Results: A significant difference in semen parameters was observed between the DNA fragmentation normal and abnormal groups [count, motility and morphology (p < 0.05)]. However, no significant difference was seen between the number of oocytes retrieved and fertilization rates between the two groups, whereas the number of embryos progressed to day 3 and the blastocyst formation rate in the remaining embryos after transfer were significantly more in the DNA fragmentation normal group (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was noted between DFI values of more than 30 % and number of pregnancies and deliveries (p < 0.05). A higher DFI was also associated with increased abortion rates.

Conclusions: In the present study, sperm with DNA fragmentation showed a negative correlation with semen parameters. Further, sperm with damaged DNA have potential adverse effects on embryo progression, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancies.

doi: 10.1007/s12522-013-0168-7