The Mechanism and Clinical Significance of Sperm DNA Damage in Assisted Reproductive

The prevalence of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is significantly higher in males with infertility, which is often associated with oligozoospermia and hypospermia. It can also occur in patients with infertility who have normal conventional semen indicators. The etiologies involve aberrations in sperm maturation, dysregulated apoptotic processes, and heightened levels of oxidative stress. In this article, we retrieved PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science databases for articles and reviews published before February 28, 2024. Using “sperm DNA fragments; assisted reproductive technology, mechanism, clinical pregnancy outcome” as keywords, and comprehensively reviewed on their basis. Numerous literature sources have reported an increased utilization of SDF testing in the context of male infertility, as there is a negative correlation between SDF levels and the success of natural conception as well as assisted reproductive technologies. To enhance the clinical outcome for individuals experiencing infertility, investigating the prevalence and underlying mechanisms of sperm DNA damage is beneficial. This review article delves into the mechanisms that lead to sperm DNA damage and assesses the impact of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on pregnancy outcomes in the context of assisted reproductive technologies.