Journal of Fertilization: In Vitro - IVF-Worldwide, Reproductive Medicine, Genetics & Stem Cell Biol
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Abstrakt

High Levels of DNA Fragmentation Observed in an Infertile Population Attending a Fertility Center are Related to Advanced Paternal Age

Javier García-Ferreyra, Rocio Romero, Roly Hilario and Julio Dueñas-Chacón

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of male aging on semen quality and DNA fragmentation in male infertility patients attending Andrology Laboratory at fertility center.
Methods: Semen samples of 217 infertile patients were analyzed using Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). Sperm DNA fragmentation was measured by the sperm chromatin dispersion test.
Results: Subject's ages ranged from 21 to 68 years. The mean age was 38.45 years. The patients were distributed into four groups: <30 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years and ≥ 50 years. Parameters of volume, pH and concentration were similar in four evaluated groups (P: NS). An age-dependent increase in sperm DNA fragmentation was observed in four evaluated groups. The patients ≥ 40 years old had spermatozoa with fragmented DNA significantly higher compared to those patients from <30 years old and 30-39 years old (P<0.05). Percentages of morphologically normal spermatozoa in patients of ≥ 50 years old were significantly lower compared to those men from group 30-39 years old (P<0.05). Men older than 40 years old had percentages of sperm vitality significantly lower compared to men of 39 years old or less (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Sperm DNA fragmentation, progressive motility, and spermatozoa morphology are associated to advanced paternal age. However, volume, pH, and sperm concentration are not affected by male age.