Double strand DNA breaks in sperm: the bad guy in the crowd

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Alvarez, JG (Author) Other; Garcia-Peiro, A (Author) Other; barros, a (Author) FMUP; Ferraz, L (Author) Other; sousa, m (Author) ICBAS; Sakkas, D (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

Vol. 40

Pages: 745-751

ISSN: 1058-0468

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-07R

DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02748-5

Abstract (EN): PurposeThe main objective of this opinion paper was to bring to light and enhance our understanding of the amount of double-strand DNA breaks in sperm and whether there is a threshold of no return when considering repair by the oocyte/embryo.MethodsA brief review of literature related to the theories proposed for the appearance of double-strand breaks in human spermatozoa. Further commentary regarding their detection, how oocytes or embryos may deal with them, and what are the consequences if they are not repaired. Finally, a strategy for dealing with patients who have higher levels of double-strand DNA breaks in sperm is proposed by reviewing and presenting data using testicular extracted sperm.ResultsWe propose a theory that a threshold may exist in the oocyte that allows either complete or partial DNA repair of impaired sperm. The closer that an embryo is exposed to the threshold, the more the effect on the ensuing embryo will fail to reach various milestones, including blastocyst stage, implantation, pregnancy loss, an adverse delivery outcome, or offspring health. We also present a summary of the role that testicular sperm extraction may play in improving outcomes for couples in which the male has a high double-strand DNA break level in his sperm.ConclusionsDouble-strand DNA breaks in sperm provide a greater stress on repair mechanisms and challenge the threshold of repair in oocytes. It is therefore imperative that we improve our understanding and diagnostic ability of sperm DNA, and in particular, how double-strand DNA breaks originate and how an oocyte or embryo is able to deal with them.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7