Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP35-10
Sources of Funding: none

Introduction

Over the years, a large number of tests have been proposed for clinical evaluation of semen quality, some are used in clinical practice, but few are routinely used. Given the complexity of the sperm cell, there is no single assay capable of providing complete information for diagnosis and prognosis of fertility._x000D_ Objective: To evaluate the correlation between DNA fragmentation and seminal parameters in patients who consulted for fertility._x000D_ Design: Observational cross-sectional retrospective_x000D_

Methods

Materials and Methods: 1,562 samples man who consulted for fertility were studied. DNA fragmentation was performed by the TUNEL technique. (In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit Roche). A percentage of fragmentation <20% was used as the normal reference value. Seminal parameters were analyzed according to WHO Standards 2010._x000D_ Statistic: T-test was used for independent samples. The Chi2 ratios and the correlation of TUNEL with respect to seminal parameters were analyzed with Spearman's test. A p <0.05 was considered statistically significant._x000D_

Results

Results: In the total group, 31.6% (494/1562) presented increased fragmentation. The proportion of men with increased TUNEL, according to the different seminal parameters was: Normal concentration (29%, 381/1319) vs Oligozoospermia (47%, 113/243); P <0.0001. Normal Mobility (25%; 291/1157) vs. Astenozoospermia (60%); P <0.0001. Normal morphology (24%) vs Teratozoospermia (50%, 203/405); P <0.0001. Patients with oligoastenoteretozoospermy (OAT) had a higher proportion of TUNEL increased, 53.7% [58/108], compared to the Normospermic group 22.4% (173/772), P <0.0001. We found no difference in the fragmentation between groups of patients with Toxic habits (Alcohol and Tobacco) and without them. Of patients exposed to agrochemicals, 45.3% showed increased DNA fragmentation._x000D_ A significant and negative correlation was found between TUNEL and concentration / ml, total concentration of the ejaculate; total motility; rapid progressive motility; morphology and nuclear maturity. (P <0.0001) _x000D_

Conclusions

Conclusion: According to our results, we observed a significant negative correlation between TUNEL and seminal parameters. In agreement with other works we find that the exposure to environmental agrochemicals would produce a deleterious effect on the fragmentation of the DNA. Taking into account that an increased TUNEL was found in 22.4% of Normospermic patients, we emphasized the usefulness of this test to more fully study the fertility of the patients and thus to be able to take therapeutic measures that favor reproductive success.-

Funding

none