DNA breakpoints and free DNA fragments as potential predictors of infertility
The study investigated the impact of varicocele on male infertility by analyzing sperm samples from 42 varicocele patients and 22 healthy individuals. Basic sperm parameters such as concentration and vitality were assessed, along with the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) using the SCSA method. Additionally, the mean number of sperm DNA breaks (MDB) and free DNA fragments amount in seminal plasma (fDFA) were analyzed using the TDT-Strand Displacement Probe Technique. Results showed higher levels of DFI, MDB, and fDFA in varicocele-related infertility cases. Combining MDB and fDFA proved more effective in predicting fertility compared to individual assessments or the DFI alone. While these findings suggest a potential role for MDB and fDFA as predictors of male fertility, further rigorous studies are needed to validate their application in varicocele-related male infertility.
Authors
- Hongyan Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7832-840X)
- Yue Zhou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8624-8730)
- Bei Yan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7096-7098)
- Juan Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2537-1348)
- Fan Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0528-2268)
- Chang Yue
- Liguo Pei (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0528-2268)
Institutions
- Yinchuan First People's Hospital (CN)
- Ningxia Medical University (CN)
- Ningxia Medical University General Hospital (CN)
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology (CN)
- South China University of Technology (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
- Published
- 2024-11-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81252-x
- Citations
- 5
- Primary Topic
- Sperm and Testicular Function
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.69
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
- Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia Province