Mechanical processing of hyperviscous semen specimens can negatively affect sperm DNA fragmentation

Introduction The present study compared the DNA fragmentation in human sperm samples with reduced, physiological, and increased viscosity in order to evaluate whether the process used to reduce viscosity (expulsion of semen through a needle and syringe) alters significantly sperm DNA fragmentation....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International urology and nephrology 2014-04, Vol.46 (4), p.737-742
Main Authors: Kussler, Ana Paula S., Pimentel, Anita M., Alcoba, Diego D., Liu, Isabella P., Brum, Ilma Simoni, Capp, Edison, Corleta, Helena V. E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
DNA Fragmentation
Humans
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Male
Mechanical Phenomena
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Nephrology
Prospective Studies
Semen
Specimen Handling - adverse effects
Spermatozoa - physiology
Urology
Urology - Original Paper
Viscosity
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Summary:Introduction The present study compared the DNA fragmentation in human sperm samples with reduced, physiological, and increased viscosity in order to evaluate whether the process used to reduce viscosity (expulsion of semen through a needle and syringe) alters significantly sperm DNA fragmentation. Methods The seminal parameters of semen samples from 123 patients were evaluated and classified according to their viscosity. Samples with increased viscosity were submitted to a process of expulsion of semen through a 10-mL syringe and an 18-gauge (18G) needle to reduce the seminal viscosity. The DNA fragmentation of all samples was analysed using TUNEL assay (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP Nick-end labelling assay); in samples with increased viscosity, the fragmentation was assessed before and after the process of expulsion with syringe and needle. Results There was no difference in DNA fragmentation between groups with different viscosity ( P  = 0.857). A significantly increase in sperm DNA fragmentation after expulsion of hyperviscous semen through the syringe was observed ( P  = 0.035). Conclusion There was no difference in DNA fragmentation rate between samples with reduced, increased and physiological viscosities; however, the physical process of expulsion of semen through a syringe and needle increased sperm DNA fragmentation.
ISSN:0301-1623
1573-2584
DOI:10.1007/s11255-013-0578-9