Cementing the relationship between conventional and advanced semen parameters

Background: Affordable conventional semen analysis remains a fundamental procedure to be performed routinely during the diagnosis of male infertility. Advanced semen analyses provide valuable clinical insights in treatment-related decision-making, but these are highly expensive and lack universal standardization. This study aimed at determining the relationship between conventional semen parameters, measured with assistance of computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), and a set of advanced semen tests. Basic semen analysis (n = 124) was performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation and intracellular superoxide (O-2(-center dot)) levels were assessed by flow cytometry. Seminal plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were measured by spectrophotometry. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Semen pH correlated negatively with TBARS (p < 0.01). The proportions of total and progressively motile as well as rapid spermatozoa correlated positively with CAT activity (p < 0.05). Sperm viability correlated negatively with both O-2(-center dot) (p < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation (p = 0.01), while normal morphology correlated negatively with O-2(-center dot) levels (p < 0.05) and positively with CAT activity (p < 0.05). Straight-line velocity (VCL) and average-path velocity (VAP) correlated negatively with both O-2(-center dot) (p < 0.01) and TBARS (p < 0.01). Amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) correlated negatively with O-2(-center dot) (p < 0.01) and DNA fragmentation (p < 0.01), while its correlation with SOD activity was positive (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results obtained from this study support the validity of some CASA parameters as sensitive indicators of changes in sperm oxidative status and DNA integrity. Predicting advanced from conventional parameters through the building of linear regression models should be considered for future studies.

Automated summary

The study showed a significant correlation between conventional semen parameters measured with computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and advanced semen tests, supporting the sensitivity of CASA parameters as indicators of changes in sperm oxidative status and DNA integrity. Linear regression models may be considered for predicting advanced parameters from conventional ones in future studies.