Sperm Protamination Status in Association with Oxidative Stress-Induced Sperm DNA Damage

Abstract

Male infertility is a major global health concern, contributing significantly to reproductive challenges among couples worldwide. Oxidative stress is recognized as a key underlying mechanism that compromises sperm quality, causing base modifications and chromatin anomalies. Among various biological fluid markers, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) serves as a sensitive indicator of oxidative DNA damage, yet its simultaneous expression in systemic and localized reproductive compartments remains controversial.
To assess the concentrations of 8-OHdG in blood and seminal plasma of infertile men and to evaluate their correlations with chromatin maturity
This cross-sectional study enrolled 88 infertile men evaluated at the fertility center in Al-Sader Teaching Hospital and an andrology private clinic from November 2025 to January 2026. Sociodemographic and clinical histories were documented via a structured questionnaire. Systemic and local oxidative markers were quantified by measuring serum and seminal plasma 8-OHdG levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sperm chromatin maturity were evaluated utilizing cytochemical Aniline Blue (AB) staining.
Measuring oxidative biomarkers provides complementary information regarding sperm integrity. Further research is required to standardize reference values and explore targeted antioxidant strategies to optimize fertility outcomes in this population.