In a groundbreaking study, Swedish and Danish researchers have established a significant connection between frequent sperm defects and the likelihood of pregnancy complications, as well as adverse effects on the newborn’s health. Their findings reveal that a high proportion of a father’s sperm exhibiting DNA strand breaks is correlated with a doubled risk of pre-eclampsia in women who conceive through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This troubling trend is also associated with an increased likelihood of premature births, shedding new light on the critical role that paternal health plays in reproductive outcomes.
Alarmingly, approximately 20–30% of infants born via IVF are sired by fathers whose sperm exhibit signs of DNA damage, as indicated by elevated levels of DNA fragmentation. The DNA fragmentation index (DFI), which quantifies the extent of strand breaks in sperm DNA, serves as a crucial diagnostic tool that provides essential insights into male fertility. Notably, while sperm with some DNA damage can still lead to conception, their fertilisation potential diminishes significantly; specifically, when the DFI surpasses the 30% threshold, the prospects of natural conception plummet to near zero.
Historically, the effects of DNA fragmentation on both pregnancy outcomes and infant health have remained largely unexplored, partly due to the absence of DFI measurements in the standard fertility assessments conducted by clinics in Sweden. Aiming to fill this knowledge gap, Professor Aleksander Giwercman from Lund University spearheaded a comprehensive study involving 1,660 children conceived through IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the Reproductive Medicine Centre in Malmö between 2007 and 2018.
The study’s findings, published in Fertility and Sterility, revealed that in the cohort of 841 couples who underwent IVF, a DFI exceeding 20% was associated with a doubled incidence of pre-eclampsia (10.5%), alongside an increased risk of premature birth. Contrastingly, in the IVF group where the DFI was below 20%, the risk of pre-eclampsia was significantly lower at 4.8%, comparable to that observed in natural pregnancies. Notably, for couples undergoing ICSI, no correlation was found with pre-eclampsia, highlighting the differing implications of assisted reproductive technologies.
“Currently, DFI analysis is performed solely at select fertility clinics in Sweden, but we advocate for its routine implementation across all clinics,” Giwercman stated. “This analysis can provide couples crucial insights into potential fertility issues and could guide decisions regarding assisted reproduction techniques. Our latest findings suggest that DFI analysis might also serve a vital purpose in identifying pregnancies at high risk for complications.”
What adds an intriguing dimension to this research is the revelation that elevated sperm DNA fragmentation is linked not only to paternal health but is also potentially treatable. The predominant cause of this DNA damage stems from oxidative stress, an imbalance between harmful free radicals and the antioxidants that normally safeguard cellular integrity. Additional factors contributing to increased DNA fragmentation include male age, smoking habits, obesity, and infections, all of which can profoundly impact reproductive success.
“The next step is to pinpoint which segment of men benefits most from interventions aimed at preventing and treating sperm DNA damage, and to trial these strategies as a means to mitigate pregnancy complications,” Stenqvist concluded, emphasizing the importance of this ongoing research in enhancing reproductive health.
Image credit: iStock.com/Rasi Bhadramani
**Interview with Professor Aleksander Giwercman on the Impact of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Pregnancy Outcomes**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Giwercman. Your recent study has unearthed critical information regarding sperm DNA fragmentation and its effect on pregnancy complications. Can you summarize the key findings of your research?
**Professor Giwercman:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Our study involved a thorough analysis of 1,660 children conceived through IVF and ICSI. We found that high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperm—specifically a DNA fragmentation index (DFI) above 20%—are linked to a doubled risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. This signifies a troubling connection between paternal health and the health outcomes of both the mother and newborn.
**Interviewer:** That sounds alarming. How prevalent is this issue among fathers using assisted reproduction techniques?
**Professor Giwercman:** It is concerningly significant. Our findings indicate that approximately 20–30% of infants born via IVF are fathered by men with elevated levels of DNA damage in their sperm. This underscores the necessity of assessing male fertility more thoroughly, as sperm with high fragmentation can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as premature births, and can adversely affect the health of the offspring.
**Interviewer:** Considering these findings, how should this knowledge influence fertility clinics’ practices moving forward?
**Professor Giwercman:** Fertility clinics should start incorporating DFI measurements into standard assessments. This could lead to earlier interventions for couples struggling with infertility or at risk of complications. Understanding sperm DNA quality is essential not just for improving conception rates, but also for enhancing the overall health outcomes for mothers and children.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to prospective fathers hoping to conceive?
**Professor Giwercman:** It’s important for men to be aware of their reproductive health. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and avoiding environmental toxins can significantly impact sperm health. If you’re considering assisted reproduction, consult with a fertility specialist who can assess not just female health but male health as well.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Giwercman, for shedding light on these crucial findings. It’s clear that addressing paternal health is a key aspect of successful reproductive outcomes.
**Professor Giwercman:** Thank you for bringing attention to this vital issue. It’s a pivotal step towards improving reproductive health for everyone involved.
