Sperm DNA fragmentation and its interaction with female factors

High levels of sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation have been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, including low natural and assisted pregnancy rates, abnormal embryonic development, and recurrent pregnancy loss. These poor outcomes are likely caused by unrepaired DNA damage exceeding a critical repair threshold, adversely affecting normal embryo development. In these cases, DNA repair mechanisms of the oocyte may play a significant role in compensating for sperm DNA damage, preserving normal embryo development, and enhancing reproductive outcomes. (Fertil Sterile 2023;120:715-9. (c) 2023 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Automated summary

High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation are associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, potentially due to excessive unrepaired DNA damage that negatively affects normal embryo development. Oocyte DNA repair mechanisms may play a significant role in compensating for sperm DNA damage, preserving normal embryo development, and improving reproductive outcomes.