Sperm DNA damage diagnostics: when and why

Sperm DNA damage is the major cause of defective sperm function. DNA damage includes DNA denaturation and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and maybe the common underlying aetiology of infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) pre- and post-implantation losses, accelerated aging, and childhood cancer (1). Oxidative DNA damage is an important factor, which affects sperm quality and increases risk of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. Accumulation of oxidized DNA adducts like 8 hydroxy2deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) can impair function of denovo methylases and result in genome wide hypomethylation which compromise genetic stability (2). Thus, loss of sperm DNA integrity not only impacts reproductive and psychological health of the infertile couple but also increases childhood disease burden. Maintenance of integrity of germ cells is therefore crucial for fertility and success in assisted reproductive technologies and for the health and well being of the next generation.