Fragmentation of sperm DNA

As statistics show, in some countries the degree of infertility is 8-29%, and around the world - 15%. At the same time every eighth pair does not get to conceive the first child. Every sixth pair experiences difficulties with the birth of the second and subsequent children. In half of cases, this is due to the problems of the stronger sex, that is, with the altered parameters of the male seed, which is still called "DNA fragmentation". Over the past two decades, this trend has only increased: from 30 to 50%.

If necessary, make the appropriate analysis, you need to determine the degree of DNA fragmentation. But not every man is familiar with the above term, and he may have many questions. Therefore, it is worth deciphering it in more detail.

What does the term "DNA fragmentation" mean?

This definition is understood as the degree of damage to the DNA chain, which is an indicator of the quality of germ cells and speaks of the level of fertility of a man. Discontinuities of the DNA helix lead to the fact that the integrity of genetic information is violated. As a result, the probability of a child's birth is significantly reduced.

Often fragmentation of DNA happens due to a decrease in protamines. These are special transport proteins that are contained in chromosomes. They perform the main protective function - they prevent damage to the DNA chain under the influence of external factors.

The presence of DNA fragmentation in the germ cells has a direct effect on the maturation of the embryo in the early period and the formation of the blastocyst. Characteristically, spermatozoa, even with a high degree of fragmentation, are able to fertilize female sex cells, but later the process can stop at an early stage of embryo development.

Causes of pathology

The violation of genetic information in spermatozoa can be caused by various factors that are both internal and external. Male infertility can occur because of numerous violations of various body systems, such as:

• Sexual;
• Endocrine;
• Nervous;
• The circulatory;
• Immune, etc.

The main task of the male germ cell is to deliver the healthy material to the egg without any damage. Only in this case, after fertilization, the embryo will fully and normally develop. Otherwise, there may be various pathologies. Because of what happens the fragmentation of DNA?

Internal causes

There are two reasons for internal factors. The first of them consists in the inferior development of seminal fluid. Maturation of male sex cells occurs in the appendages of the testicles. At this time, the chromatin, which is located in the nucleus of the cell, is activated. It is he who is responsible for the mobility of spermatozoa. In some cases, the procedure may go wrong, and then the DNA helix is damaged.

The second internal factor is the incorrect rejection of the sex cells. The birth of spermatozoa occurs in the testes. The peculiarity of the male organism is the ability to determine the state of the sex cells. If in the spermatozoids there are some deviations in the genetic plan or differences in their structure, then the organism itself gets rid of them. But sometimes the process of rejection is wrong. In this case, the ejaculate will contain both healthy cells and damaged ones.

External causes

In addition to internal causes, cell DNA fragmentation can occur due to a number of external factors. They can be considered the presence of certain diseases that occur in acute or chronic form. The destruction of germ cells can be caused by inflammation of the urogenital system. This is especially true in cases where any disease has not been completely cured.

Often the cause is and such a common among men disease, as varicocele. Usually pathology is easily detected by the expansion of veins in the testicles. But a more accurate diagnosis will establish an appropriate examination. But besides this, the reasons can be:

• High temperature for a sufficiently long period of time, in the absence of obvious signs and symptoms;
• The presence of oxidative stress;
• X-ray irradiation;
• The course of chemotherapy;
• bad habits.

As for the last point, the fragmentation of sperm DNA happens due to smoking.

Currently, there are many ways to combat this bad habit. And if there is a desire to raise children, you should completely abandon it. And the sooner, the better!

Standard diagnosis - spermogram

For the birth of a fully healthy child, a good hereditary material is needed. And to determine the state of male germ cells, a standard analysis of the ejaculate is conducted. The result of such an investigation will show the probable causes of impaired fertility. Spermogram also allows you to determine the structure, concentration, degree of mobility of male sex cells, and at the same time and check them for compliance with the physiological norm. Also in the task of analysis is to determine the acidity of seminal fluid.

In addition, this study allows you to determine the number of white blood cells, which normally should not be more than one million in a milliliter of seed. An important parameter is the color and smell. Healthy seminal fluid has a white, cream or slightly pink tinge, and it smells like a chestnut. In the presence of any deviation, a more thorough examination is required, the decision of which is made by the attending physician on the basis of the result obtained.

However, experts believe that standard analysis can not determine if DNA fragmentation has occurred. Survey methods simply do not allow this, since the spermogram mainly determines only the physical parameters of the seminal fluid. Therefore, it is impossible to diagnose the DNA chain by this method, and experts recommend using another common technique called TUNEL.

The essence of the TUNEL methodology

Many experts recommend to investigate the DNA chain with this method. The study allows you to determine the number (in%) of damaged germ cells. Based on the results, it is possible to select the necessary methods of treatment in order to increase the male capacity for fertilization.

After the delivery of the ejaculate, special reagents are added to it, and further research is done using a microscope. At the same time, the number of healthy and damaged spermatozoa is clearly traced. An experienced researcher will quickly and unmistakably detect a change in DNA. Fragmentation of the sperm in this case is manifested in the fact that the damaged sex cells essentially differ in their appearance.

The result of the study is given only by a qualified specialist in the hands of the patient in the form of a photograph with a picture of the cells. An important parameter of the survey is the percentage of healthy cells to fragmented. Normally, the number of damaged cells does not exceed 15%.

The passage of the survey provides for a number of mandatory rules. For seven days, do not take a hot bath and exclude the trip to the bath. During this period, you should refrain from sexual intercourse and refuse to drink alcohol. Collection of sperm is made directly on the day of the procedure in a special container made of plastic. This can be done both at home and in a medical institution.

When can you start worrying?

Many men not only do not know what DNA fragmentation is, nor is the norm of this indicator known to them. As, however, and at what point you need to undergo a survey. For this reason, there is an increase in infertility and the occurrence of various diseases. In this regard, it is worthwhile to cite cases when it is worth thinking about:

• The family can not conceive a child for a long period of time.
• In the past, there have been several attempts at artificial insemination.
• Unsatisfactory state of the embryo.
• The beloved second half often experience miscarriages, but it is clearly not in her.
• The age of the man is 45 years or more.
• The presence of varicose veins of the spermatic cord.
• Three months or more a man has a fever.

As for the first case, it is not uncommon for women to undergo a screening, during which it turns out that they are completely healthy, but pregnancy does not occur. In this case, men should be examined.

Examination of the fragmentation of the sex cells appoints a personal doctor and only under certain circumstances.

Where it is possible to hand over the analysis?

Now we know that DNA fragmentation, "where to hand over", is the next question that can arise. At the present time, almost any laboratory with modern equipment is engaged in research of the male seed. To pass the analysis it is possible practically in any state medical institution on a free-of-charge basis. Only waiting for the result can take a few days. If you contact one of the private laboratories, the result will be available within one day.

It is worth remembering that each study is different in its result. Therefore, for reliability it is better to pass several tests in a row. Only in this way can the doctor put everything together and establish an accurate diagnosis.

Improving the degree of fragmentation

Until a certain point in time, it was impossible to change the DNA fragmentation index for the better. But after the studies not so long ago, the opposite was proved. Reduction of fragmentation is achieved by introducing antioxidants into the patient's body. But in some cases, the analysis of DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa does not confirm a positive result.

For example, if the change in cells is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperature or toxic substances.

A useful property of folic acid

After the scientists analyzed the nutrition of many men, they came to one interesting conclusion. The more folic acid in the food, the less abnormal cells are formed. Therefore, it follows 3-4 months before pregnancy planning to include in the diet the acid, which is contained in different foods. Among the plant products are:

• greenery;
• Cereal, bean crop;
• Bananas;
• citrus;
• carrot;
• Nuts.

Acid is also found in products of animal origin:

• Liver and meat of beef, pork and lamb;
• Salmon;
• Egg yolk.

It is also present in dairy products.

When heat treatment of some products, acid loss is up to 90%. Therefore, if possible, they should be eaten raw. By including these products in the diet, you can be sure that the DNA fragmentation test will show a positive result. And this means that the health of the future baby will not have to worry.