Sperm dna fragmentation index in male partners of unexplained infertile couples its relationship to semen parameters

Abstract

newline This study has been done on 110 male partners of unexplained infertile couple reporting to IVF Center, Adesh Hospital, Bathinda, Punjab. Semen analysis was done to filter the unexplained patients with normal values of semen parameters. The sperm DNA evaluation was conducted using Apo-Direct kit with flow cytometry procedure, used to measure the DNA fragmentation index and threshold value of 12% was decided to evaluate the DNA damage.The demographic parameters and environmental assessment questionnaire was recorded to find the association with the sperm functioning. It was noted that age, BMI, working profile and type of infertility of the participants were showing statistical significant difference with plt0.05. Also, external factors including alcohol consumption, smoking and dietary pattern showing significant results for DFI. In view of threshold value for DFI, overweight and obese participants were showing fragmentation value more than 12%. Subjects grouped under maximum age (41-45 years) and with more years of marriage depicting more fragmentation index (gt12%). No significant difference was noted for semen parameters and DFI for abstinence days, further, very less difference were seen for the DFI percentages. Positive association was observed for age, BMI, years of marriage and Abstinence time with DFI value, hence, the association was very weak. Alcoholism, smoking habit and non-vegetarian diet showed large DFI values, also exposure to heat significantly increase the DNA damage. These factors with DNA integrity must consider for the thorough evaluation of male fertility and to make the proper therapeutic treatments in the ART procedures.