Seminal Oxidative Stress and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Men from Couples with Infertility or Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Abstract

(1) Background: This case–control study examined whether men from couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or infertility exhibited higher seminal oxidative stress (OS) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) compared to fertile controls. (2) Methods: The study included 30 participants from each group: unexplained RPL, unexplained infertility, and proven fertility. Data were collected at Aalborg University Hospital tertiary RPL and fertility treatment clinics (Aalborg, Denmark), excluding couples with mixed conditions for homogeneity. Semen samples were analyzed using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) for concentration, motility, and morphology. SDF was assessed via a CASA-based sperm chromatin dispersion test. OS was measured as static oxidation-reduction potential (sORP). (3) Results: The results showed no significant OS differences between groups. The RPL group had significantly lower SDF levels than the control group. A significant positive correlation between SDF and OS was observed in the infertility group. Overall, this study did not find significant differences in OS levels between men from couples with unexplained RPL or infertility and fertile controls, while SDF levels were lower in the RPL group compared to controls. (4) Conclusion: In conclusion, despite the existing literature suggesting that OS and SDF are negative prognostic factors, our findings suggest they may not be reliable diagnostic markers for RPL and infertility.