Relationship of Seminal Plasma Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentration with Sperm Morphology and Sperm DNA Damage

Abstract

Objective:This study examines the relationship between seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and sperm morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation.Materials and Methods:Semen and blood samples were obtained from volunteers. There were four patient groups that are normozoospermia (n=46), oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (n=18), azoospermia (n=19) and teratozoospermia (n=68), based on semen analysis results. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, serum and seminal plasma AMH levels were measured. DNA fragmentation of sperm was assessed by the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) test.Results:Azoospermic group showed the highest blood AMH levels. The seminal AMH level of normozoospermic patients was found to be significantly lower compared to the oligoasthenoteratozoospermia group. No significant associations between seminal AMH, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA damage were observed. No significant difference was observed among the groups regarding sperm DNA fragmentation.Conclusion:A large number of TUNEL-positive cells in normozoospermic patients demonstrates that DNA damage of sperm may also occur in normal sperm parameters individuals. The measurement of serum and seminal AMH levels does not provide any additional benefit during the evaluation of male infertility.

Keywords

• sperm
• seminal plasma
• anti-müllerian hormone
• tunel