Sperm chromatin dispersion test in the assessment of DNA fragmentation and aneuploidy in human spermatozoa.

Sperm DNA damage is thought to be increased in men with male factor infertility. Previous studies suggest a correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation and aneuploidy. The sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test was modified to produce the Halosperm Kit. The SCD-fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) test allows the simultaneous detection of DNA fragmentation and aneuploidy on the same sperm cell. The objectives of this study were to validate the SCD, SCD-FISH and Halosperm tests for the analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation and compare them to the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). Semen samples from 20 males undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection were processed using FISH, SCD-FISH, SCD and Halosperm, and compared with SCSA results. There was a significant difference between FISH and SCD-FISH results in the detection of aneuploidy (P=0.000) and the level of sperm DNA fragmentation in the samples subjected to SCSA and SCD (P=0.001) or SCSA and SCD-FISH (P=0.001). There was no significant correlation between DNA fragmentation and aneuploidy. If sperm aneuploidy is to be determined, more reliable results will be obtained if FISH is performed rather than SCD-FISH. A lack of validation and unknown clinical significance question the value of DNA fragmentation assays. DNA damage in the male germ line may result in adverse clinical outcomes and the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of sperm DNA damage are being actively researched. Many DNA fragmentation assays such as the Halosperm Kit have been developed recently and are now available at a commercial level. Unfortunately, aimed at vulnerable couples with difficulty conceiving, many of these tests have not been clinically validated. Despite its plausible appeal and fervour of its supporters, the benefits of widespread DNA testing that only achieves the distressing of couples with the knowledge that effectual therapeutic strategies are absent are questionable. Commercially, however, it is no doubt lucrative. Analysis of gametes prior to the initiation of an IVF cycle may improve the quality of embryos transferred. The clinical and scientific community considers it a matter of urgency to translate the basic science behind how a cell prepares for fertilization into routine clinical practice. However, it is equally important, if not more, to allow the science behind such applications to draw level with its practice before its widespread implementation.