Premium
Sperm DNA fragmentation as a result of ultra‐endurance exercise training in male athletes
Author(s) -
Vaamonde D.,
AlgarSantacruz C.,
Abbasi A.,
GarcíaManso J. M.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
andrologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1439-0272
pISSN - 0303-4569
DOI - 10.1111/and.12793
Subject(s) - dna fragmentation , semen , sperm , andrology , sperm motility , endurance training , fragmentation (computing) , semen analysis , testosterone (patch) , elite athletes , biology , endocrinology , medicine , physiology , athletes , physical therapy , apoptosis , genetics , infertility , ecology , pregnancy , programmed cell death
Summary Intensive sports practice seems to exert negative effects on semen parameters; in order to assess these effects, the objective of this study was to assess semen, including DNA fragmentation, and hormone parameters in elite triathletes. Twelve high‐level triathletes preparing for a National Triathlon Championship participated in the study. The qualitative sperm parameters analysed were volume, sperm count, motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation; when needed, additional testing was performed. Assessed hormones were testosterone ( T ), cortisol ( C ) and testosterone–cortisol ratio ( T / C ). Maximum oxygen consumption and training characteristics were also assessed. Hormonal values and physical semen parameters were within normal ranges. DNA fragmentation showed high values (20.4 ± 6.1%). Round cells in semen were higher than normal (2.8 ± 1.5 million/ml), with the presence of macrophages. Correlations were found for several parameters: concentration of round cells positively correlated with progressive sperm motility ( p = .01) and sperm morphology ( p = .02); contrarily, the correlation found with DNA fragmentation was negative ( p = .04). Sperm DNA fragmentation and the T / C ratio, however, were correlated in a positive manner ( p = .03). As evidenced by the observed results, sperm DNA fragmentation is affected by high‐level sports practice; therefore, high loads of endurance training could potentially interfere with the athlete's fertility potential.