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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-04-2013 | Gamete Biology

Lower sperm DNA fragmentation after r-FSH administration in functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Authors: Giovanni Ruvolo, Maria Carmela Roccheri, Anna Maria Brucculeri, Salvatore Longobardi, Ettore Cittadini, Liana Bosco

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Purpose

An observational clinical and molecular study was designed to evaluate the effects of the administration of recombinant human FSH on sperm DNA fragmentation in men with a non-classical form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Methods

In the study were included 53 men with a non-classical form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. In all patients, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) in situ DNA nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay, was evaluated before starting the treatment with 150 IU of recombinant human FSH, given three times a week for at least 3 months. Patients’ semen analysis and DNA fragmentation index were re-evaluated after the 3-month treatment period.

Results

After recombinant human FSH therapy, we did not find any differences in terms of sperm count, motility and morphology. The average DNA fragmentation index was significantly reduced (21.15 vs 15.2, p < 0.05), but we found a significant reduction in patients with high basal DFI values (>15 %), while no significant variation occurred in the patients with DFI values ≤15 %.

Conclusions

Recombinant human FSH administration improves sperm DNA integrity in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia men with DNA fragmentation index value >15 % .

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Title: Lower sperm DNA fragmentation after r-FSH administration in functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Giovanni Ruvolo
Maria Carmela Roccheri
Anna Maria Brucculeri
Salvatore Longobardi
Ettore Cittadini
Liana Bosco
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9951-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Lower sperm DNA fragmentation after r-FSH administration in functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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