According to statistics, in a number of countries the degree of spread of infertility is 8-29%, and around the world - 15%. At the same time, every eighth pair does not manage to conceive the first child. Every sixth couple has difficulty with the birth of a second and subsequent children. In half the cases, this is associated with problems of the stronger sex, that is, with altered parameters of the male seed, which is also called "DNA fragmentation". Over the past two decades, this trend has only increased: from 30 to 50%.
If necessary, make the appropriate analysis, you need to determine the degree of DNA fragmentation. But not every man is familiar with the given term, and he may have many questions. Therefore, it is worth decrypting it in more detail.
What does the term “DNA fragmentation” mean?
This definition refers to the degree of damage to the DNA chain, which is an indicator of the quality of germ cells and indicates the level of male fertility. Breaks in the DNA helix cause the integrity of the genetic information to be violated. As a result, the probability of having a baby is significantly reduced.
DNA fragmentation often happens due to a decrease in protamines. These are such special transport proteins that are found in chromosomes. They perform the main protective function - they prevent damage to the DNA chain under the influence of external factors.
The presence of DNA fragmentation in germ cells has a direct effect on early maturation of the embryo and the formation of blastocysts. Characteristically, spermatozoa, even with a high degree of fragmentation, can fertilize female germ cells, but later the process may stop at an early stage of embryo development.
Causes of pathology
Violation of genetic information in spermatozoa can be caused by various factors that are both internal and external in nature. Male infertility can occur due to numerous disorders of various body systems, such as:
- sexual
- endocrine;
- Nervous
- circulatory;
- immune, etc.
The main task of the male reproductive cell is to deliver healthy material to the egg without any damage. Only in this case, after fertilization of the latter, the embryo will fully and normally develop. Otherwise, there may be various pathologies. What causes DNA fragmentation?
Internal causes
There are two reasons for internal factors. The first of these is the inferior development of seminal fluid. Maturation of male germ cells occurs in the epididymis. At this time, chromatin is activated, which is located in the cell nucleus. It is he who is responsible for sperm motility. In some cases, the procedure may go wrong, and then the DNA helix is ​​damaged.
The second internal factor is the abnormal rejection of germ cells. Sperm production occurs in the testes. The peculiarity of the male body is the ability to determine the state of germ cells. If in the spermatozoa certain deviations in the genetic plan or differences in their structure are observed, then the body itself gets rid of them. But sometimes the rejection process itself goes wrong. In this case, the ejaculate will contain both healthy cells and damaged cells.
External causes
In addition to internal causes, cell DNA fragmentation can occur due to a number of external factors. These include the presence of certain diseases that occur in acute or chronic form. The destruction of germ cells can be caused by inflammation of the genitourinary system. This is especially evident in cases where a disease has not been completely cured.
Often the cause is such a common disease among men as varicocele. Usually, pathology is easily detected by the expansion of the veins in the testicles. But a more accurate diagnosis will establish an appropriate examination. But besides this, the reasons may be:
- high temperature for a sufficiently long period of time, in the absence of obvious signs and symptoms;
- the presence of oxidative stress;
- x-ray irradiation;
- passing a course of chemotherapy;
- bad habits.
As for the last point, sperm DNA fragmentation is due to smoking.
Currently, there are many ways to deal with this bad habit. And if there is a desire to raise children, you should completely abandon it. And the sooner the better!
Standard Diagnosis - Spermogram
For the birth of a fully healthy baby you need good hereditary material. And to determine the state of male germ cells, a standard analysis of the ejaculate is performed. The result of such a study will show the probable causes of impaired fertilization. A spermogram also allows you to determine the structure, concentration, degree of mobility of male germ cells, and at the same time to check them for compliance with physiological norm. The analysis also includes determining the acidity of the seminal fluid.
In addition, this study allows you to determine the number of white blood cells, which normally should not be more than one million per milliliter of seed. An important parameter is the color and smell. Healthy seminal fluid has a white, cream or slightly pink tint, and smells like chestnut in smell. If there are any deviations, a more thorough examination is required, the decision on which is made by the attending physician on the basis of the result.
However, experts believe that standard analysis cannot determine if there was DNA fragmentation. Examination methods simply do not allow this, since the spermogram mainly determines only the physical parameters of the seminal fluid. Therefore, it is impossible to diagnose a DNA strand in this way, and experts recommend using another common technique called TUNEL.
The essence of the TUNEL methodology
Many experts recommend exploring the DNA chain with this particular technique. The study allows you to determine the number (in%) of damaged germ cells. Based on the results, it is possible to select the necessary methods of treatment in order to increase male fertility abilities.
After delivery of the ejaculate, special reagents are added to it, and further research is carried out using a microscope. At the same time, the number of healthy and damaged sperm is clearly visible. An experienced researcher will quickly and accurately detect DNA changes. Sperm fragmentation in this case is manifested in the fact that damaged germ cells significantly differ in their appearance.
The result of the study is issued only by a qualified specialist to the patient’s hands in the form of a photograph with the image of cells. An important examination parameter is the percentage of healthy cells to fragmented ones. Normally, the number of damaged cells does not exceed 15%.
Passing the survey provides a number of mandatory rules. For seven days, do not take a hot bath and exclude a trip to the bathhouse. During this period, you should refrain from sexual intercourse and stop drinking alcohol. Sperm is collected directly on the day of the procedure in a special container made of plastic. This can be done both at home and in a medical facility.
When can you start worrying?
Many men not only have no idea what DNA fragmentation is, the norm of this indicator is also unknown to them. As, however, and at what point you need to be examined. For this reason, there is an increase in infertility and the occurrence of various diseases. In this regard, it is worth citing cases when you should think carefully:
- A family cannot conceive a child for a long period of time.
- In the past there have been several attempts at artificial insemination.
- Poor condition of the embryo.
- The beloved second half has frequent cases of miscarriages, but this is clearly not the case.
- A man is 45 years old or more.
- The presence of varicose veins of the spermatic cord.
- Three months or more, a man has a fever.
As for the first case, it is often the case that women undergo an examination, during which it turns out that they are completely healthy, but pregnancy does not occur. In this case, men should be examined.
Examination for the fragmentation of germ cells is prescribed by the personal attending physician and only in certain circumstances.
Where can I get an analysis?
Now we know what DNA fragmentation is, "where to donate" - this is the next question that may arise. At present, almost any laboratory with modern equipment is engaged in the study of male seed. You can take the analysis in almost any state medical institution for free. Only waiting for the result can drag on for several days. If you contact one of the private laboratories, the result will be available within one day.
It is worth remembering that each study is distinguished by its result. Therefore, for reliability, it is better to pass several analyzes in a row. This is the only way the doctor can put everything together and establish an accurate diagnosis.
Fragmentation Improvement
Until a certain point in time, it was impossible to change the DNA fragmentation rate for the better. But after studies conducted not so long ago, the opposite was proved. Fragmentation is reduced by introducing antioxidants into the patient. But in some cases, analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation does not confirm a positive result.
For example, if the change in cells is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperature or toxic substances.
Useful property of folic acid
After scientists analyzed the nutrition of many men, they came to one interesting conclusion. The greater the amount of folic acid in food, the less abnormal cells are formed. Therefore, it should be 3-4 months before planning pregnancy to include in the diet acid, which is contained in different products. Among herbal products are:
- greens;
- cereal, bean crop;
- bananas
- citrus;
- carrot;
- nuts.
Acid is also found in animal products:
- liver and meat of beef, pork and lamb;
- salmon
- egg yolk.
It is also present in dairy products.
During the heat treatment of some products, acid loss is up to 90%. Therefore, if possible, it is better to use them raw. By including these foods in your diet, you can be sure that a DNA fragmentation test will show a positive result. And this means that you won’t have to worry about the health of the future baby.