Cover
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2024)

Published: December 31, 2024

Pages: 39-51

Research Article

The Influence of DNA Fragmentation Index on Sperm Morphology in Iraqi Men

Abstract

When evaluating male reproductive potential, it is crucial to evaluate sperm structural abnormalities and sperm DNA damage. Apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption are linked to sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), which is inversely correlated with motility and normal morphology. To enable liquefaction, the semen sample is taken in a sterile collection container and incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes The samples were then split into three groups, P, G, and N, based on the morphological %. To measure chromatin condensation, aniline blue staining (AB), an acidic dye with a strong affinity for non-lysine-rich histones, was employed. The DNA maturity of the spermatozoa was assessed using AB. Sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, and total progressively motile sperm all had means that were above the WHO 2010 standard range. The DNA fragmentation index was significantly higher in patients with pattern P than in patients with patterns G and N, and it differed significantly (P=0.003) between the semen morphological patterns. In conclusion, as DNA fragmentation is an independent test this study showed that a low percentage of normal sperm morphology might indicate DNA integrity status.

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