Sperm DNA damage tied to IVF, ICSI pregnancy loss

Sperm DNA damage tied to IVF, ICSI pregnancy loss
Source: Human Reproduction 2008; Advance online publication
Researchers conduct a meta-analysis of available studies to assess the influence of sperm DNA damage on the likelihood for spontaneous pregnancy loss after IVF or ICSI.

MedWire News: The chances of pregnancy loss after conception by IVF or ICSI are significantly increased if the father's sperm have damaged DNA, a systematic review has confirmed.

"Although the number of events is relatively small and the study characteristics are variable, the data are significant enough to justify the clinical application of sperm DNA integrity tests in the context of IVF and IVF/ICSI," claim the researchers, led by Armand Zini (Mary's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada).

They scanned the Medline database from 1999 to 2008, and found seven eligible reports, which included 11 studies (five IVF and six ICSI).

These recorded details for 1549 treatment cycles, which resulted in 640 pregnancies and 122 pregnancy losses.

Analysis revealed a significant combined odds ratio for pregnancy loss of 2.48 among couples in which the man exhibited sperm DNA damage, compared with those in which he did not.

The odds ratio was slightly higher for ICSI than for IVF pregnancies (2.17 vs 2.73), but the difference did not reach statistical significance, Zini et al report.

"Animal studies indicate that sperm DNA damage can lead to abnormal embryo development and impaired embryo implantation," the researchers note.

They suggest: "Eliminating exposure to environmental toxins and reducing testicular hyperthermia may help optimize sperm DNA integrity."

The team concludes: "Although the data on vitamin supplementation are inconclusive, there may be some benefit in treating men with antioxidant vitamins."