Analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in spermatograms performed in a human reproduction clinic located above 2800 meters above sea level, period 2024-2025.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i1.693Keywords:
Sperm DNA fragmentation; Oxidative stress; Reactive oxygen species; Male infertility; Assisted reproduction; Altitude.Abstract
To analyze sperm DNA fragmentation levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in patients treated at a human reproduction clinic located at 2800 meters above sea level during the period 2024–2025, in order to determine their possible impact on male fertility. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 35 patients diagnosed with marital infertility. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using the sperm chromatin dispersion (SDC) test. Seminal oxidative stress was determined using the CanROS test for superoxide anion detection. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages) were applied for data analysis. Results: 91% of the patients were between 31 and 50 years old. 41% presented with DNA fragmentation of less than 10%; however, 59% showed some degree of sperm DNA damage. Regarding oxidative stress, 63% showed altered levels of reactive oxygen species in their seminal fluid. Conclusions: A high prevalence of alterations in sperm DNA integrity and seminal oxidative balance was observed in this population exposed to high-altitude conditions. These findings support the importance of incorporating DNA fragmentation and ROS assessment as complementary tools to conventional semen analysis to optimize prognostic stratification and the selection of assisted reproduction strategies.
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