Malonaldehyde formation and DNA fragmentation: two independent sperm decays linked to reactive oxygen species.

Malondialdehyde (MDA), a product involved in membrane lipid peroxidation, was dosed in the sperm of 163 patients who had consulted the clinic regarding hypofertility. We attempted to determine if there was correlation between MDA content, sperm World Health Organization parameters and DNA fragmentation that results mainly from reactive oxygen species assaults. We found that no correlation could be established; however MDA and sperm decondensation were shown to be significantly linked. The impact of membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids and the role of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase are discussed.