DNA Fragmentation

DNA Fragmentation

DNA fragmentation is the separation of DNA into strands.  High DNA fragmentation can be a cause for male factor infertility that isn’t always examined.

What causes DNA Fragmentation?

There are a number of possible causes of DNA damage:

  1. Oxidative stress – oxidation is known to cause DNA damage. Antioxidants may help counter oxidation.  Some studies have demonstrated a benefit in supplementing certain antioxidants in men with male factor infertility such as vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, zinc and selenium.
  2. Seasonal variation – One study demonstrated a higher DNA fragmentation index in semen samples collected in the winter, versus those collected in the spring.
  3. Genetic mutations – genetic defects in the genes that code for DNA repair.  XRCC1, XPD6 and XPD23 are the genes that regulate DNA repair.  Significant associations have been found between polymorphisms of these genes and higher DNA fragmentation index (DFI).
  4. Varicocele – a varicose vein in the testicles can cause a high DFI.  Surgical varicocele repair can help improve DFI.

How can naturopathic medicine help improve DNA Fragmentation?

  1. Use of select antioxidants at the correct dose and frequency can help improve DFI.
  2. The herb Uncaria tomentosa as a water extract has been shown to enhance the function of the genes that code for DNA repair.
  3. Probiotics – one study found that probiotic supplementation could help reduce DNA fragmentation in rats.

References

Rubes J1, Rybar R, Prinosilova P, Veznik Z, Chvatalova I, Solansky I, Sram RJ. Genetic polymorphisms influence the susceptibility of men to sperm DNA damage associated with exposure to air pollution. Mutat Res. 2010 Jan 5;683(1-2):9-15. doi: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2009.09.010.

Omu AE1, Al-Azemi MK, Kehinde EO, Anim JT, Oriowo MA, Mathew TC. Indications of the mechanisms involved in improved sperm parameters by zinc therapy. Med Princ Pract. 2008;17(2):108-16. doi: 10.1159/000112963. Epub 2008 Feb 19.

Kasimanickam R1, Kasimanickam V, Thatcher CD, Nebel RL, Cassell BG. Relationships among lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, sperm parameters, and competitive index in dairy bulls. Theriogenology. 2007 Mar 15;67(5):1004-12. Epub 2006 Dec 22.

Khalil AA1, Abou-Gabal AE, Abdellatef AA, Khalid AE. Protective role of probiotic lactic acid bacteria against dietary fumonisin B1-induced toxicity and DNA-fragmentation in sprague-dawley rats. Prep Biochem Biotechnol. 2015 Aug 18;45(6):530-50. doi: 10.1080/10826068.2014.940969.