Performing a sperm DNA fragmentation test in addition to semen examination based on the WHO criteria can be a more accurate diagnosis of IVF outcomes

Abstract

Background We analyzed the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and general semen test based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and compared the two tests using semen factors. In addition, we examined whether DFI is a reliable parameter associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Methods Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) and general semen tests were conducted in accordance with the WHO 2010 guidelines, and correlations between the two tests were investigated. The WHO criteria were set as the cutoff values for each of the following factors: semen volume, concentration, total sperm count, motility, and normal morphology, and compared with the DFI results. Results The subjects had a mean sperm DFI of 15.3% ± 12.6%, and the DFI increased with age. In contrast, motility and normal morphology decreased as the DFI increased. Patients who satisfied the WHO criteria in terms of concentration, total sperm count, and motility had a significantly lower DFI than those who did not satisfy the criteria. Therefore, evaluation with a general semen test based on the WHO criteria should be regarded as a qualitative evaluation of all factors other than semen volume and normal morphology. Conclusions High DFI (≥ 30%) caused a low blastocyst development rate following intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Male infertility due to DFI should be suspected when IVF results are poor despite normal semen findings based on the WHO criteria. The results of this study suggest that the SCD test may more accurately evaluate the correlation between IVF clinical outcomes and male infertility. Therefore, it is important to focus on DFI measurements.

Gaussian clustering and quantification of the sperm chromatin dispersion test using convolutional neural networks

“…Recent analyses suggest that the correlation is weak for SDF and fertilization success, especially in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). 5 However, a more agreeable conclusion is confirmed for pregnancy outcomes, 9,10 as SDF may influence the formation of a blastocyst, 11 implantation, 12 risk of miscarriage and after all the development of a healthy embryo. 13 Additionally, disruptions in the paternal genome carried by the spermatozoa also affect the offspring in terms of genetic and epigenetic mutations, 5,14,15 which exerts an influence on the health of the progeny with seemingly satisfactory pregnancy.…”

Effect of Postbiotics Derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on Sperm Quality: A Prospective In Vitro Study

“…Several studies have emphasized the correlation between sperm DNA damage and its impact on fertilization and embryo development [ 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Clinical studies have also shown that the DNA fragmentation index assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test [ 39 , 40 ] alongside routine semen analysis provides a much more accurate diagnosis of IVF outcomes [ 41 ].…”