Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been generally acknowledged as a valuable tool for male fertility evaluation. While its detrimental implications on sperm function were extensively investigated, little is known about the actual indications for performing SDF analysis. This review delivers practice based recommendations on commonly encountered scenarios in the clinic. An illustrative description of the different SDF measurement techniques is presented. SDF testing is recommended in patients with clinical varicocele and borderline to normal semen parameters as it can better select varicocelectomy candidates. High SDF is also linked with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and can influence outcomes of different assisted reproductive techniques. Several studies have shown some benefit in using testicular sperm rather than ejaculated sperm in men with high SDF, oligozoospermia or recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. Infertile men with evidence of exposure to pollutants can benefit from sperm DNA testing as it can help reinforce the importance of lifestyle modification (e.g., cessation of cigarette smoking, antioxidant therapy), predict fertility and monitor the patient’s response to intervention.

/pdf/clinical-utility-of-sperm-dna-fragmentation-testing-practice-2ytnzmj1p6.pdf

Clinical utility of sperm DNA fragmentation testing: practice recommendations based on clinical scenarios.

Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for fertilization and development of healthy offspring. The spermatozoon undergoes extensive molecular remodeling of its nucleus during later phases of spermatogenesis, which imparts compaction and protects the genetic content. Testicular (defective maturation and abortive apoptosis) and post-testicular (oxidative stress) mechanisms are implicated in the etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), which affects both natural and assisted reproduction. Several clinical and environmental factors are known to negatively impact sperm DNA integrity. An increasing number of reports emphasizes the direct relationship between sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Currently, several assays are available to assess sperm DNA damage, however, routine assessment of SDF in clinical practice is not recommended by professional organizations. This article provides an overview of SDF types, origin and comparative analysis of various SDF assays while primarily focusing on the clinical indications of SDF testing. Importantly, we report four clinical cases where SDF testing had played a significant role in improving fertility outcome. In light of these clinical case reports and recent scientific evidence, this review provides expert recommendations on SDF testing and examines the advantages and drawbacks of the clinical utility of SDF testing using Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis.

Sperm DNA Fragmentation: A New Guideline for Clinicians.

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing has been emerging as a valuable tool for male fertility evaluation. While the essential role of sperm DNA integrity in human reproduction was extensively studied, the clinical indication of SDF testing is less clear. This clinical practice guideline provides recommendations of clinical utility of the test supported by evidence. It is intended to serve as a reference for fertility specialists in identifying the circumstances in which SDF testing should be of greatest clinical value. SDF testing is recommended in patients with clinical varicocele and borderline to normal semen parameters as it can better select varicocelectomy candidates. Outcomes of natural pregnancy and assisted reproductive techniques (ART) can be predicted by result of SDF tests. High SDF is also linked with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and failure of ART. Result of SDF testing may change the management decision by selecting the most appropriate ART with the highest success rate for infertile couples. Several studies have demonstrated the benefit in using testicular instead of ejaculated sperm in men with high SDF, oligozoospermia or recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. Infertile men with modifiable lifestyle factor may benefit from SDF testing by reinforcing risk factor modification and monitoring patient’s progress to intervention.

The Society for Translational Medicine: clinical practice guidelines for sperm DNA fragmentation testing in male infertility.

We herein summarise the evidence concerning the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in various clinical infertility scenarios and the advances on sperm DNA fragmentation tests. The collected evidence was used to formulate 41 recommendations. Of these, 13 recommendations concern technical aspects of sperm DNA fragmentation testing, including pre-analytical information, clinical thresholds and interpretation of results. The remaining 28 recommendations relate to indications for sperm DNA fragmentation testing and clinical management. Clinical scenarios like varicocele, unexplained infertility, idiopathic infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, fertility counselling for men with infertility risk factors and sperm cryopreservation have been contemplated. The bulk evidence supporting the recommendations has increased in recent years, but it is still of moderate to low quality. This guideline provides clinicians with advice on best practices in sperm DNA fragmentation testing. Also, recommendations are provided on possible management strategies to overcome infertility related to sperm DNA fragmentation, based on the best available evidence. Lastly, we identified gaps in knowledge and opportunities for research and elaborated a list of recommendations to stimulate further investigation.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/and.13874

Sperm DNA fragmentation testing: Summary evidence and clinical practice recommendations.

Objective To summarise the latest evidence on the role of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in male factor infertility, as SDF has been emerging as a valuable tool for male infertility evaluation. Methods A search of PubMed was conducted using the keywords ‘sperm DNA fragmentation’ and ‘male infertility’. Studies in languages other than English were excluded. All identified studies were screened and clinical studies in humans were included. Results In all, 150 articles were included for analysis. Current evidence supports the association between high SDF and poor reproductive outcomes for natural conception and intrauterine insemination. Although the relationship between high SDF and in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is less clear, the negative implication of high SDF on pregnancy loss is evident. Various treatment strategies have been attempted with varying success. The predictive value of SDF testing on outcomes of natural pregnancy and assisted reproduction illustrates its value in clinical practice. Conclusion The significant role of SDF in male factor infertility is supported by current evidence. The beneficial role of SDF testing in selection of varicocelectomy candidates, evaluation of patients with unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, selection of the most appropriate assisted reproductive technique with highest success rate for infertile couples, and assessment of infertile men with modifiable lifestyle factors or gonadotoxin exposure has been recently proposed.

Role of sperm DNA fragmentation in male factor infertility: A systematic review.

Abstinence Time and Its Impact on Basic and Advanced Semen Parameters

Iron can accumulate in the peritoneal fluid, macrophages, and endometrial lesions in women with endometriosis. The process begins as erythrocytes are phagocytized by macrophages, releasing hemoglobin into the peritoneal fluid where it can form a complex with haptoglobin or be catalyzed by hemeoxygenase-1 to produce free iron. The free iron can be taken up by iron storage and transporting proteins such as ferritin and transferrin, which can lead to iron accumulation within macrophages or lesions. Iron overload can lead to the dysregulation of genes that code for molecules specific to endometriosis and oxidative stress.

Role of Iron in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

The present investigation was aimed to develop restorer lines for three-line hybrid rice using indica/tropical japonica derivatives to exploit the inter sub-specific heterosis. From 75 F4 families of CB174R/Azucena, two plants were randomly selected and screened using simple sequence repeat markers DRRM-RF 3 -10 for Rf3 gene and RM6100 for Rf4 gene. One hundred and five plants possessing either or both of the genes were test crossed with CMS line COMS 23A. In 67 hybrids evaluated, the mean pollen fertility ranged from 97.3% (CB174R/Azucena 177-4-9) to 13.7% (CB174R/Azucena 13-2-4). The frequency of restorers was high (49.25%) followed by partial restorers (29.85%) and partial maintainers (20.90%). The selection efficiency for DRRM- RF3-10 and RM6100 markers were 75.75% and 54.54% respectively. Segregation for fertility restorer genes and pollen fertility among individual plants within a family was witnessed from molecular and phenotypic data. Based on phenotypic and marker information, it was concluded to advance 53.3% of plants to F5 generation to isolate stable restorer lines that can be exploited in future to produce highly heterotic three-line hybrids in rice. 

/pdf/molecular-marker-and-test-cross-information-aid-selective-2677kfaz.pdf

Molecular Marker and Test Cross Information Aid Selective Advancement of F4 Generation of CB174R/Azucena: An inter Sub-specific Cross in Rice for Restorer Development

The aim of the study was to find out the dissipation rate of the chlorantraniliprole residues in garden bean pods. Insecticides were sprayed at the farmers’ holding located at Naraseepuram, Coimbatore during the year 2022 (March to April), and the collected samples were processed and analyzed in the laboratory. An effective modified QuEChERS method was developed and validated to estimate the chlorantraniliprole residues in Ultra High-Performance Chromatography. Good linearity with R2 greater than 0.99 was achieved with the Limit of Quantification as 0.05 mg/kg. The relative standard deviation was below 5% for the recoveries obtained (93.30 to 97.91%). The residues persisted up to 10 and 15 days after treatment for recommended (20 g a.i./ha) and double the recommended doses (40 g a.i./ha), respectively. The half-life of chlorantraniliprole in garden beans was calculated as 2.18 days for recommended dose and 2.89 days for double the recommended dose. Intake of chlorantraniliprole residues through garden beans at either of the doses was found to be safe as the calculated Risk Quotient (RQ) was less than one.


 Dissipation kinetics and dietary risk assessment of chlorantraniliprole residues in/on garden bean (Lablab purpureus var. typicus) using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography 

Deepika Kumaresan

Papers

Abstinence Time and Its Impact on Basic and Advanced Semen Parameters

Role of Iron in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Molecular Marker and Test Cross Information Aid Selective Advancement of F4 Generation of CB174R/Azucena: An inter Sub-specific Cross in Rice for Restorer Development

Dissipation kinetics and dietary risk assessment of chlorantraniliprole residues in/on garden bean (Lablab purpureus var. typicus) using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography