Abstract
BACKGROUND: Imbalance between production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity in testis, epididymis, and seminal fluid can eventually lead to infertility. Abnormal sperm chromatin packaging, and DNA fragmentation is considered as the main underlying causes of infertility. Therefore, we aimed to assess relationship between sperm parameters with DNA damage, protamine deficiency, persistent histones, and lipid peroxidation in infertile men with at least one failed cycle after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, semen samples were collected from infertile men with at least one failed cycle after ICSI (n=20). Sperm parameters, DNA damage, protamine deficiency, persistent histones, and lipid peroxidation were assessed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, chromomycin A3, aniline blue, and BODIPY C11 staining, respectively. RESULTS: A negative significant correlation was observed between sperm concentration with percentage of sperm persistent histone (r=-0.56, P=0.02), while positive significant correlations were found between percentage of sperm persistent histones with abnormal sperm morphology (r=0.54, P=0.02), CMA3-positive spermatozoa (r=0.6, P=0.008) and intensity of lipid peroxidation (r=0.6, P=0.01). In addition, a significant correlation was observed between sperm DNA damage with intensity and percentage of lipid peroxidation (r=0.62, P=0.009, r=0.77, P=0.007). Correlation between CMA3-positive spermatozoa and intensity of lipid peroxidation (r=0.5, P=0.03) were also significant. CONCLUSION: Observed significant correlations between sperm functional tests in infertile men with at least one failed cycle after ICSI, indicated that the reduction of oxidative stress by antioxidant supplementation may be considered as one therapy approach for improvement of sperm function and increase the chance of successful clinical outcomes in next assisted reproductive cycle.