DNA fragmentation measured by the TUNEL assay is increased in the sperm of couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.

Abstract

Objective: Sperm DNA breakage is inversely correlated with semen quality. However, it has been shown that when DNA breakage is induced, fertilization is unaffected, but embryogenesis is impaired. We have previously shown that couples with unexplained pregnancy loss following an extensive evaluation of associated risk factors have an increased rate of sperm chromosome aneuploidy. In this study we have further evaluated if the sperm of the men with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss exhibit an increased level of chromosome breakage as measured by the TUNEL assay.