Evaluation of in vitro sperm nuclear chromatin decondensation among different subgroups of infertile males in Mysore, India

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a condition associated with multiple etiologies. Sperm nuclear chromatin decondensation is one of the important events that occur during fertilization. Abnormal spermatogenesis leads to improper protamine package and chromatin condensation. The aim of the study was to analyze and understand the levels of fertilization capacity and nuclear stability of the spermatozoa in different infertile subgroups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 65 infertile males and 24 fertile males were employed in the study. Infertile subjects were classified into different groups according to the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. In this study, in vitro nuclear chromatin decondensation status was assessed in different subgroups of infertile males. The obtained data was then statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Decreased sperm chromatin decondensation was observed in different infertile subgroups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Spermatozoa with swollen head indicated a positive response and unswollen head indicated a negative response. CONCLUSION: This study asserts that abnormal nuclear decondensation is a potential factor that diminishes the fertilizing capacity of the sperms among different subgroups of infertile males.