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. 2004 Apr;21(4):119–126. doi: 10.1023/B:JARG.0000029495.22787.83

DNA Fragmentation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chromosomal Aneuploidy in the Spermatozoa of Oligoasthenoteratozoospermic Males

Chung-Hsien Liu 1, Hui-Mei Tsao 2, Tzu-Chun Cheng 2,3, Hui-Mei Wu 2, Chun-Chia Huang 2,3, Chung-I Chen 3, David Pei-Cheng Lin 3, Maw-Sheng Lee 1,2,4
PMCID: PMC3455609  PMID: 15270210

Abstract

Purpose: This study determined the incidence of sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chromosomal aneuploidy. The results were correlated with the semen analysis parameters and fertilization rates.

Methods: Semen samples from 10 men showing oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) and undergoing ICSI treatment were analyzed. Another semen samples from 10 men showing normozoospermia and undergoing IVF treatment were analyzed for comparison. The samples were prepared using a two-step discontinuous Percoll gradient (80%–50%) and analyzed using a Hamilton-Thorne Integrated Visual Optical System (IVOS) Sperm Analyzer. DNA fragmentation was detected with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end label (TUNEL) assay. Functional integrity of mitochondria was detected using an ApoalertTM Mitochondrial Membrane Sensor Kit. Chromosomal aneuploidy was assayed by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results: Higher sperm DNA fragmentation rate (18.8% vs. 2.8%), mitochondrial dysfunction rate (24.9% vs. 5.7%), and chromosomal aneuploidy rate (0.12% vs. 0.06%) were found in the oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients in comparison with the normozoospermic patients.

Conclusions: The result indicates that spermatozoa from oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients contain greater DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chromosomal aneuploidy. Because extremely poor semen samples are the indication for ICSI treatment, the result indicates the importance of selecting good quality sperm for oocyte injection.

Keywords: Chromosomal aneuploidy, DNA fragmentation, ICSI, mitochondrial dysfunction

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