Relationship of sperm DNA fragmentation, apoptosis and dysfunction of mitochondrial membrane potential with semen parameters and ART outcome after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship of DNA damage, apoptosis and dysfunction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in ejaculated spermatozoa with semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology) and to evaluate their effects on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods: Semen parameters in 120 infertile couples who underwent ICSI treatment were routinely analyzed and examined for the incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation (DF) by the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD). Whereas the incidences of sperm apoptosis and dysfunction of MMP were assessed by flow cytometry. The correlation among different sperm factors and ART outcomes was evaluated statistically. Results: Sperm parameters were negatively related to DF (motility and normal morphology, p < 0.01), apoptosis (concentration, motility and normal morphology, p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, p < 0.01 respectively), and dysfunction of sperm MMP (concentration, motility and normal morphology, p < 0.01). DF also showed a positive correlation with apoptosis and dysfunction of sperm MMP (p < 0.05, and p < 0.01 respectively). However, there was no significant correlation among DF, apoptosis and dysfunction of sperm MMP with ART outcomes, except early apoptosis which showed significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation with pregnancy rate. Conclusion: In the present study; DF, apoptosis and dysfunction of sperm MMP indicated negative relationship with sperm parameters. Although there was a negative correlation between early apoptosis and pregnancy rate, no significant correlation was observed between these parameters and ICSI outcomes.