Correlation between Sperm Dna Fragmentation and Conventional Semen Parameters among Different Age Groups

Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship between conventional semen parameters and sperm chromatin condensation (DNA fragmentation index) using aniline blue-eosin staining method among patients of different age groups visiting the In-vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic.Design: Retrospective study Setting: Tertiary care infertility centre Method: A total of 240 patient semen samples were studied between the period of May 2015 to May 2016 for conventional semen parameters (WHO criteria) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) using aniline blue- eosin staining method. Patients were separated into three groups: <=30 years, 31-35 years and 36 years & above. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation co-efficient and regression tests on the groups. Main Outcome Measures: Sperm concentration (Millions /ml), motility(%), normal morphology(%), DFI (%). Result: In each age group, i.e., <=30years, 31-35 years and 36 years & above, there was a significant and negative correlation between DFI and sperm concentration (r= -0.50, r= -0.34, r= -0.49 respectively; P<0.05), motility(r= -0.69,r= -0.66, r= -0.54 respectively; P<0.05) and normal morphology (r= -0.86,r= -0.80, r= -0.75 respectively; P<0.05). Sperm DNA fragmentation index among the age groups was not statistically significantly (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that age is not a predictor of DFI. Whereas, sperm concentration, sperm motility and normal sperm morphology showed a significant association with DFI in all the age groups i.e., better the conventional semen parameters, lower the DFI.