DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI)

DNA fragmentation Index is the main tool to make sure male fertility. The presence of abnormal genetic material due to damage in the DNA strand within sperm is known as Sperm DNA fragmentation. SDF occurs when the body is unable to repair breaks in the DNA. The presence of fragmented DNA in the sperm has been shown to affect male fertility potential and the development of the embryo.it can also cause IVF Failure. This DNA fragmentation is commonly seen in people with more age. And an unhealthy lifestyle and a high smoking habit.

Why Is It Important to Check DNA Fragmentation Index?

  The normal semen analysis includes the volume, sperm count, and sperm motility, and morphology of the sperm. About 8-15% of the men with normal semen analysis are still unable to conceive. it is very important to gauge DNA fragmentation in sperm, to assess male fertility. Recent studies suggest that sperm with DNA fragmentation beyond a certain threshold are evidence of compromised male fertility.

Sperm DNA fragmentation is usually tested using a procedure called the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD). In this routine, around 500 sperm cells are analysed and graded as per the size of their halos. Normal sperm without DNA fragmentation have halos that range in size from medium to large. Sperm that display a small or no halo point to fragmented DNA. A normal sample is thought to hold less than 15% of sperm with DNA damage.

Causes of Sperm DNA Damage

• Drugs, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
• Cigarette smoking
• Environmental toxins
• Age
• Genital tract inflammation
• Infrequent ejaculation

Techniques to measure DFI

SDF Techniques are:

• Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA)
• Sperm chromatin diffusion method (SCD)
• Comet assay (CA)
• Terminal deoxyuridine nick end labeling (TUNEL)

Treatment for Sperm DNA damage

Men with SDF can be tried through lifestyle modification, a significant reduction in smoking, and alcohol consumption, Oral antioxidant therapy, etc.

For More detail and solution for this problem consult The Best IVF Specialist in Hyderabad.