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Chapter 23 - Clinical Value of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Tests

from Section 4 - Laboratory Evaluation and Treatment of Male Infertility

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 December 2023

By
Armand Zini
Edited by
Douglas T. Carrell ,
Alexander W. Pastuszak  and
James M. Hotaling
Douglas T. Carrell
Affiliation:
Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine
Alexander W. Pastuszak
Affiliation:
University of Utah
James M. Hotaling
Affiliation:
Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine
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Summary

Over the past 20 years, there has been growing interest in understanding the genomic integrity of human spermatozoa and the clinical relevance of sperm chromatin and DNA defects. We have learned that the etiology of human sperm DNA damage is multi-factorial and that sperm DNA defects are associated with abnormal semen parameters. While we have observed that tests of sperm DNA integrity are correlated with reproductive outcomes, use of these complementary biomarkers in the management of male infertility remains controversial. In this chapter, we review the etiologic factors associated with sperm DNA damage and the utility of these tests in clinical practice. We also review the treatment options for infertile men with sperm DNA damage.

Keywords

men’s healthinfertilitysperm DNA damagesperm DNA fragmentation testsARTICSIoxidative stresssperm chromatin damagemale agingvaricocelehormonal treatmentsperm sorting
Type
Chapter
Information
Men's Reproductive and Sexual Health Throughout the Lifespan
An Integrated Approach to Fertility, Sexual Function, and Vitality
 , pp. 183 - 190
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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