Impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on the clinical outcome of assisted reproduction techniques: a systematic review of the last five years

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate through a systematic literature review the impact sperm DNA fragmentation has on embryos from assisted reproduction techniques. DATA SOURCE: Studies from the “PubMed”, “Embase”, and “BVS” databases were analyzed. STUDIES SELECTION: The articles selected in the review included: cohort and case-control studies that addressed the proposed theme, published between January 1, 2017, and January 31, 2022, in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. As inclusion criteria: cohort and case-control articles. As exclusion criteria: articles outside the scope of the research, review articles, case reports, articles using animal models, abstracts, letters to the editor, and articles found duplicates in the databases. DATA COLLECTION: Number of couples or cycles; age (men/women); collection type; DNA damage (%); assisted reproduction activity and techniques. DATA SYNTHESIS: In in vitro fertilization, a reduction in fertilization rate, blastocyst rate, and embryo quality was observed. In addition to implantation and increased abortion rates in patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation. High rates of sperm DNA fragmentation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection led to reduced blastocyst production rate, embryo quality, implantation, and live birth rate, and in intrauterine insemination, a reduction in pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION: Sperm DNA fragmentation was a potential limiting factor for assisted reproduction techniques.