Sperm DNA damage and assisted reproductive techniques

Abstract

Infertility affects one in six couples of childbearing age and male problems are responsible for 40% of these cases. One area of research that has been studied intensely during the past decade as a cause for male infertility is the integrity of DNA in the nucleus of mature ejaculated spermatozoa. Accumulating evidence suggests that disturbances in the organization of the genomic material in sperm nuclei are negatively correlated with the fertility potential of spermatozoa in vivo. The impact of sperm DNA damage on IVF and ICSI reproductive outcomes remain more controversial. Although no significant prognostic factor for the outcomes of assisted reproductive technique (ART) has been identified, except female age; there is accumulating evidence suggesting potential as a prognostic test for ART. The aim of this review to assess the evidence pertaining to the clinical utility of sperm DNA integrity testing and target areas that require more study.