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TUNEL assay—Standardized method for testing sperm DNA fragmentation
Author(s) -
Sharma Rakesh,
Iovine Concetta,
Agarwal Ashok,
Henkel Ralf
Publication year - 2021
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.13738
Subject(s) - dna fragmentation , tunel assay , terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase , andrology , sperm , male infertility , biology , infertility , apoptosis , medicine , genetics , pregnancy , programmed cell death
Sperm DNA integrity is important for normal functions such as fertilization, implantation, pregnancy and fetal development. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is more common in infertile men and may be responsible for poor reproductive function. Although there are a number of tests available to measure SDF, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate‐nick end labelling TUNEL) assay using flow cytometry is becoming more popular to measure the sperm DNA fragmentation. It is a direct test that measures both single‐ and double‐ DNA strand breaks. In this review, we describe the protocol, quality control and measurement of sperm DNA fragmentation using a benchtop flow cytometer. We also briefly discuss the factors that can affect the results, challenges and clinical implications of TUNEL in assessing male infertility.