In this clinical era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single spermatozoon is chosen for fertilization, the diagnostic functionality of the classical parameters typically associated with fertilization, such as sperm concentration, sperm motility, acrosome integrity, and mitochondria, is perhaps becoming less critical. In contrast, the contribution of sperm DNA quality to our understanding of the impact of male fertility within the context of ICSI is gaining increasing interest and importance. Even with respect to natural conception, high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in the ejaculate can adversely affect reproductive outcomes. However, the precise origin of SDF pathology in sperm cells is often ambiguous and most likely to be multifactorial. Hence, the genetic makeup of an individual, unbalanced REDOX processes, enzymatic activity, environmental and lifestyle factors, and even damage during sperm handling in the laboratory all operate in a unique and often synergistic manner to produce or induce sperm DNA damage. Surprisingly, the contribution of active enzymes as potential agents of SDF has received much less attention and, therefore, is likely to be underrated. This review highlights the roles of different enzymes related to the degradation of sperm DNA as possible effectors of DNA molecules in spermatozoa.
Keywords: DNase activity; male infertility; sperm DNA fragmentation.