Lower sperm DNA fragmentation after r-FSH administration in functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

An observational clinical and molecular study was designed to evaluate the effects of the administration of recombinant human FSH on sperm DNA fragmentation in men with a non-classical form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

METHODS:

In the study were included 53 men with a non-classical form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. In all patients, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) in situ DNA nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay, was evaluated before starting the treatment with 150 IU of recombinant human FSH, given three times a week for at least 3 months. Patients' semen analysis and DNA fragmentation index were re-evaluated after the 3-month treatment period.

RESULTS:

After recombinant human FSH therapy, we did not find any differences in terms of sperm count, motility and morphology. The average DNA fragmentation index was significantly reduced (21.15 vs 15.2, p<0.05), but we found a significant reduction in patients with high basal DFI values (>15 %), while no significant variation occurred in the patients with DFI values ≤ 15 %.

CONCLUSIONS:

Recombinant human FSH administration improves sperm DNA integrity in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia men with DNA fragmentation index value >15 % .

• Authors: Giovanni Ruvolo, Maria Carmela Roccheri, Anna Maria Brucculeri, Salvatore Longobardi, Ettore Cittadini, Liana Bosco
• Journal: Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics (J Assist Reprod Genet) Vol. 30 Issue 4 Pg. 497-503 (Apr 2013) ISSN: 1573-7330 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 23435529 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human
• Recombinant Proteins

Topics

• Adult
• Asthenozoospermia (genetics, metabolism)
• DNA Fragmentation
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Hypogonadism (genetics, metabolism)
• Male
• Oligospermia (genetics, metabolism)
• Recombinant Proteins (administration & dosage)
• Sperm Count
• Spermatozoa (cytology, metabolism)