DNA Fragmentation Test in sperm
The DNA Fragmentation Test is used to measure the integrity of the genetic material of a semen sample, with the aim of measuring breaks or lesions in the sperm DNA strands.
What is the DNA fragmentation test?
It is an advanced diagnostic test in the study of masculine infertility, carried out in specific cases to complete the information obtained after a semen analysis. The DNA fragmentation test is used to analyze the state of the sperm DNA, which is located in the head of the sperm and holds their genetic integrity. The greater the number of breaks or damage to this genetic material, the greater the complications to achieve pregnancy.
What is DNA fragmentation in sperm?
The spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell, since its only function is to transport the male DNA, out of the male’s body to the female egg. During its formation, a supercomputation of the cellular DNA is produced so that it is protected and can fit in the head of the spermatozoon. When this process occurs during spermatogenesis, breaks in the strands of the double-stranded DNA can occur, leading to DNA fragmentation.
This phenomenon can also be produced by exogenous or environmental processes, that is, during sperm formation there are no breaks, but then there are different metabolites in the testicular environment, such as reactive oxygen species, which can cause this type of break in the genetic material. We could classify the fragmentation as of “basal origin”, when it occurs during the formation of the spermatozoon, and of “environmental origin”, when it occurs due to the environmental conditions that occur in the different parts of the testis once the spermatozoon is formed.
Breaks in any of the DNA strands can occur at two levels: single-strand break, when only one of the two strands is broken, and double-strand break, when both strands are broken.
Consequences of sperm fragmentation
DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa can give rise to different problems during the embryonic phase, from low fertilization rates or blockages in the development of the embryos to producing early abortions. When we are faced with a single-strand break, on many occasions all the oocyte’s cytoplasmic machinery is capable of repairing that break, but when the break is double-stranded, this situation does not occur. In the laboratory, the impact on this embryonic growth can be minimized by using different sperm selection techniques, such as the use of hyaluronic acid or microfluidic techniques.
When is the DNA fragmentation test indicated?
The DNA fragmentation test is indicated in patients that find themselves in the following cases:
- With a low fertilization rate, low quality embryos, repeated implantation failure, repeated miscarriages;
- Varicocele;
- Genitourinary infections;
- In men older than 45 years;
- Smokers and people exposed to environmental toxins;
- Exposure to high temperatures (fever).
How is the sample obtained for analysis?
- Remain sexually abstinent for 2 or 3 days (unless indicated otherwise in cases of low quality samples).
- Collect the sample in a sterile glass (we will provide you with one; however, these glasses are sold in any pharmacy). The way to obtain the sample is through masturbation, neither coitus interruptus nor the use of commercial condoms being valid.
- Maintain the maximum hygienic conditions when collecting the sample (previous hand washing).
- Make sure that the sample is complete, that is, that all the ejaculate fits in the bottle.
