Analysis on correlation between sperm DNA integrity and routine semen parameters

Objective To investigate the correlation between sperm DNA integrity and semen parameters,to explore the value of DNA integrity detection in evaluation of male fertility. Methods Routine semen analysis of 206 male sterile patients were examined,and sperm DNA integrity were detected by sperm chromatin dispersion( SCD) to calculate DNA fragmentation index( DFI). The relationship between DFI and sperm concentration,motility,and morphology were analyzed. Results Significant differences were found in abstinence duration,rate of sperm motility,D grade sperm,head defect,neck defect and sperm survival rate among the three groups classified as DFI≤10%,10% DFI≤30% and DFI 30%. The correlative analysis showed DFI was positive correlation to D grade sperm,head defect,neck defect,sperm deformity index( SDI) and teratozoospermia index( TZI),while negative correlation to rate of sperm motility,normal morphology,sperm density and sperm survival rate. Conclusion Sperm DNA damage might lead to abnormal sperm morphology and decrease of motility. The routine semen analysis combine with detection of sperm DNA integrity may improve the assessment of male fertility.