Evaluation of semen DNA integrity and related parameters with COVID-19 infection: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background In the context of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic, Its impact on male reproductive function should be concerned. Methods Our study is a prospective cohort study that recruited participants infected or uninfected with COVID-19 between December 2022 and March 2023. All laboratory tests and questionnaire data were completed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. A total of 132 participants were enrolled, with 78 COVID-19 positive patients as the positive group and 54 COVID-19 negative participants as the negative group. Semen quality was assessed by the fifth World Health Organization criteria. The general characteristics of semen samples were assessed using CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis). DNA damage and the high density stainability was assessed by sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA) based on flowcytometry. Results The sperm concentration, progressive motility and motility in COVID-19 negative group were significantly higher than positive group. In the following DNA damage analysis, a remarkably lower sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in the COVID-19 negative group. In the positive group, unhealthy lifestyles had no significant effect on semen parameters, DNA fragmentation and nuclear compaction. Conclusions After excluding the interference of unhealthy lifestyle, the COVID-19 infection can have a significant impact on the quality of semen, especially the DFI,. Therefore, it shows that COVID-19 can adversely affects male fertility, and this result provides advisory guidance for clinicians.

Age-Related COVID-19 Influence on Male Fertility

“…At the same time, we did not find any studies that took into account different age groups of patients. In men under the age of 35 who had recovered from a coronavirus infection, we observed no significant changes in DNA fragmentation levels, in contrast to the findings of other researchers [21,22]. However, in our sample of older COVID+ patients (>35 years), the proportion of men with increased DNA fragmentation was higher compared to their peers who have not been infected.…”

“…Another study observed that in patients aged 30 (IQR, 27-34) years, a coronavirus infection in the last 3 months before sample collection resulted in a reduction in sperm concentration, including the percentage of progressively motile sperm, and an increase in DNA fragmentation. Notably, age (under 30 years or older) did not influence DNA fragmentation, in contrast to the significant impact of a prior history of COVID-19 [22].…”