Omega6/omega 3 ratio is high in individuals with increased sperm DNA fragmentation

Abstract

Increased ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in spermatozoa has been positively correlated with induced lipid peroxidation and elevated sperm DNA damage. Therefore, the fatty acid composition of the individuals’ spermatozoa might be a determinant of fertility status. To that end, a case-control study was conducted including 56 infertile men (aged from 25 to 45 years) referring to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center to investigate the relationship between sperm and seminal plasma omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio with sperm DNA fragmentation. Men were grouped into high and low percentages of sperm DNA fragmentation, and seminal and sperm parameters were assessed between the two groups. Sperm parameters (WHO criteria), oxidative stress status (BODIPY and DCF staining), residual histones (aniline blue), DNA fragmentation (TUNEL and SCSA), and plasma fatty acid composition (HPLC) were assessed. Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation were used as statistical methods. Individuals with high sperm DNA damage had significantly lower sperm motility, higher sperm residual histone, and lipid peroxidation. Men diagnosed with high sperm DNA damage possessed higher amounts of total saturated, monounsaturated, and omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio in both sperm and seminal plasma (P < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation revealed positive correlations (P < 0.05) between omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio in both sperm and seminal plasma with the percentage of sperm residual histones, DNA damage, and sperm lipid peroxidation. Overall, our results indicated that infertility caused by deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids could be diagnosed and treated by supplementation of these fatty acids in an individual’s diet.