Correlation of Sperm Nuclear Chromatin Condensation Staining Method with Semen Parameters and Sperm Functional Tests in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Varicocele, and Idiopathic Infertility

Abstract

Introduction: Our aim was to investigate sperm nuclear chromatin condensation and its correlation with semen parameters and vitality test in infertile patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), varicocele, and idiopathic infertility.Materials and Methods: Sperm chromatin condensation was determined by aniline blue staining in 22 SCI-injured infertile men, 20 with varicocele, and 28 with idiopathic infertility. The results were compared with the semen analysis parameters and the hypo-osmotic swelling test results. Three grades of staining for sperm heads were distinguished: unstained, showing sperm maturity (G0); partially stained (G1); and completely stained, showing sperm immaturity (G2). The total score was calculated as: (G0 × 0) + (G1 × 1) + (G2 × 2).Results: In all groups, the total staining score was higher than 75%, corresponding to a high degree of immaturity of sperm. Patients with SCI had a less sperm nuclear chromatin condensation and chromatin stability than patients with idiopathic infertility and varicocele (total scores, 98% versus 89% and 88%, respectively; P Conclusion: Aniline blue staining for sperm nuclear chromatin condensation is a method independent of semen analysis and demonstrates the internal structural defects of sperm. This method may have a predictive value in assessing fertility.