P-13: Comparison of Sperm Quality, Oxidative Stress, DNA Fragmentation, Protamine Deficiency, and DNA Methylation in Varicocele and Fertile Individuals

s:1993:"Background: There are many approaches that gene expression is controlled in eukaryotes. DNA methylation is one of several epigenetic mechanisms that cells use to control gene expression and lock genes in the "off" position. In addition, sperm DNA damage can correlate with DNA methylation defect. There is evidence that sperm of infertile men contain more DNA damage than fertile men and that may have a negative effect on fertility potential of these patients. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate and compare effective factors on fertility such as oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, protamine deficiency, DNA methylation between fertile and varicocele individuals. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were collected from 44 varicocele individuals with grad II and III and 15 fertile individuals who referred to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center. A portion of semen sample was used for routine semen analysis according to WHO criteria and the remainder were evaluated to DNA fragmentation by using TUNEL assay, oxidative stress by using DCFH-DA staining and protamine deficiency by using CMA3 staining. As well as global DNA methylation was evaluated by using flow cytometer. Results: Quality of semen samples were significantly lower in the varicocele compared to fertile individuals. The percentage of DCF- positive sperm and TUNEL-positive and CMA3 positive were significantly higher in varicocele compared to fertile individuals however intensity of DCF in sperm were significantly lower in varicocele individuals compared to fertile individuals. Percentages of global DNA methylation significantly were higher in fertile compared to varicocele individuals. Conclusion: This result clearly showed oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, and protamine deficiency can effect on DNA methylation alternations. These deficiencies is higher in varicocele individuals compared to fertile that it is possibly due to spermiogenesis disorders in these individuals.";