PURPOSE: To date, standard semen parameters have been the only parameters investigated in sperm samples of infertile men in Algeria. We investigated, for the first time, semen parameters according to sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in these subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SDF was determined by a validated sperm chromatin dispersion test in 26 infertile men. Patients were split into two groups according to the SDF level estimated by the DNA fragmentation index (DFI): the low fragmentation group (LFG; LFG with DFI < or =18%) and high fragmentation group (HFG; HFG with DFI >18%). The standard semen parameters were measured in both groups. RESULTS: We found that semen concentration and motility were negatively correlated with DFI (r=-0.65, r=-0.45, respectively; p<0.05), while morphology and semen volume were not correlated with it (r=0.24, r=-0.18, respectively; p>0.05). Comparison of the sperm concentration revealed that it was significantly higher in LFG than in HFG (37.57%+/-13.16% vs. 7.32%+/-3.59%, respectively; p<0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed regarding sperm motility and morphology. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SDF correlates well with both sperm motility and concentration but not with morphology. Thus, we conclude that SDF evaluation provides additional information regarding sperm quality, and should be used as a complementary test for assessing semen characteristics in infertile males.
Algeria ; Chromatin ; DNA Fragmentation* ; Humans ; Male ; Semen Analysis ; Semen* ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa*

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of serum folate (vitamin B9), cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels and diet with semen parameters (semen standard parameters [SSP] and DNA fragmentation index [DFI]) in infertile men. Methods: Sperm samples were assessed for SSP and DFI (using the sperm chromatin dispersion test). Serum vitamin concentrations were measured with an immuno-electrochemiluminescence assay, and men completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Serum folate levels were positively correlated with sperm progressive motility and DFI. A comparison of SSP between two groups of patients according to serum folate concentration (B9 <4.840 ng/mL and B9 ≥4.840 ng/mL) showed significantly higher sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility in the latter group. However, there was no difference between these groups regarding DFI. Interestingly, serum folate levels were significantly higher in patients with a high DFI (using the cut-offs of 30% or 18%). FFQ data showed that the consumption of fruits and egg yolk correlated positively with sperm concentration and sperm motility, respectively. Conclusion Serum folate levels showed significant associations with sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility. However, the positive association of serum folate with DFI raises the need for careful prescription of folate supplements.