Sperm DNA fragmentation: a new guideline for clinicians
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for fertilization and development of healthy offspring. The spermatozoon undergoes extensive molecular remodeling of its nucleus during later phases of spermatogenesis, which imparts compaction and protects the genetic content. Testicular (defective maturation and abortive apoptosis) and post-testicular (oxidative stress) mechanisms are implicated in the etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), which affects both natural and assisted reproduction. Several clinical and environmental factors are known to negatively impact sperm DNA integrity. An increasing number of reports emphasizes the direct relationship between sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Currently, several assays are available to assess sperm DNA damage, however, routine assessment of SDF in clinical practice is not recommended by professional organizations. This article provides an overview of SDF types, origin and comparative analysis of various SDF assays while primarily focusing on the clinical indications of SDF testing. Importantly, we report four clinical cases where SDF testing had played a significant role in improving fertility outcome. In light of these clinical case reports and recent scientific evidence, this review provides expert recommendations on SDF testing and examines the advantages and drawbacks of the clinical utility of SDF testing using Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis.
Date Issued
2020-10-01
Date Acceptance
2020-07-13
Citation
World Journal of Mens Health, 2020, 38 (4), pp.412-471
ISSN
2287-4208
Publisher
Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology
Start Page
412
End Page
471
Journal / Book Title
World Journal of Mens Health
Volume
38
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
© 2020 Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000572091100003&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Andrology
Health Care Sciences & Services
Urology & Nephrology
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Assisted reproductive techniques outcome
Clinical guidelines
Infertility
male
Oxidative stress
Sperm DNA fragmentation
IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION
CHROMATIN-STRUCTURE ASSAY
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC-ACID FRAGMENTATION
SEMINAL OXIDATIVE STRESS
BODY-MASS INDEX
REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE-LEVELS
ORAL ANTIOXIDANT TREATMENT
RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS
MALE FACTOR INFERTILITY
DOUBLE-STRAND BREAKS
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2020-08-06