ABSTRACT
In this context, sperm chromatin abnormalities have been studied extensively in past decades as a cause of male infertility. The authors provide the rationale for sperm chromatin assessment and discuss the different methods used to analyse sperm DNA integrity. In comparison with other species, human sperm chromatin packaging is exceptionally variable both within and between men. Three main theories have been proposed: defective sperm chromatin packaging, abortive apoptosis, and oxidative stress. For example, a defective spermatid protamination and disulphide bridge formation caused by inadequate oxidation of thiols during epididymal transit, resulting in diminished sperm chromatin packaging, makes sperm cells more vulnerable to ROS-induced DNA fragmentation. These may originate from defective sperm maturation, abortive apoptosis, and oxidative stress, along with other clinical and environmental risk factors. Nevertheless, at the present time, it is clear that sperm chromatin assessment provides good diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for fertility/infertility.
