High level of DNA fragmentation in sperm of Lebanese infertile men using Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test

Assessment of male fertility has been based on routine semen analysis established by the World Health Organization (WHO), evaluating sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Actually, these parameters become less reliable markers to evaluate male fertility potential. Therefore, a search for better markers has led to an increased focus on sperm chromatin integrity testing in fertility work-up and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In this study, we evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation in 185 Lebanese infertile patients attending fertility clinics all over the country, in comparison with 30 control men of proven fertility, using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD). Our results showed a significantly higher sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile group compared to control group (20.62% vs 12.96%; p < 0.001). In addition, we found that sperm DNA fragmentation is correlated with alterations in sperm parameters: count, motility and morphology. Moreover, we showed that 28% of normozoospermic patients have high sperm DNA fragmentation. Also, a positive correlation was found between sperm DNA fragmentation and ART failure in infertile group patients. Finally, sperm DNA fragmentation is suggested to be associated with tobacco and environmental conditions.