[Effects of abnormal structure of sperm chromatin on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer]

To explore the effects of sperm chromatin structure abnormalities on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).Sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin packaging defects were assessed in 136 couples undergoing IVF-ET because of infertility. The relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation, chromatin packaging defects and fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy was evaluated.Both sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin packaging defect had a negative correlation with fertilization rate (r=-0.198, P0.05, and r=-0.389, P0.01, respectively). Both parameters were higher in couples who failed to achieve pregnancy than those who achieved clinical pregnancy (10.74% vs. 5.40%, P0.01 and 23.58% vs. 11.83%, P0.01, respectively).Abnormality of sperm chromatin structure is one of the reasons for IVF-ET failure. Examination of sperm chromatin structure is helpful in predicting the risk of IVF-ET failure and optimizing treatment of infertility.