Share

Sperm DNA damage may lead to repeat miscarriages

accreditation
A miscarriage can be caused by sperm DNA defects.
A miscarriage can be caused by sperm DNA defects.

When couples experience recurrent pregnancy loss, it's natural for them to want to know why. Now, a new study suggests that sperm DNA damage could be a factor.

Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the consecutive loss of three or more pregnancies before 20 weeks' gestation. It affects up to 2% of couples and, in many cases, it is difficult to identify the cause.

Critical for survival

While women in these couples typically undergo tests to pinpoint a cause, the same is not true of men, according to the study authors.

"However, we know that sperm play an important role in the formation of the placenta, which is critical for survival of an unborn baby," said lead researcher Dr Channa Jayasena. He is a clinical senior lecturer in endocrinology at Imperial College London, in the United Kingdom.

In the new study, Jayasena's team compared 50 men in couples that had not suffered miscarriages with 63 men in couples that had recurrent pregnancy loss.

The men were checked for their levels of sex hormones, such as testosterone, and the number and behaviour of their sperm. Their level of sperm DNA damage was also assessed, along with levels of a chemical called reactive oxygen species, which can damage sperm.

Compared with the men in the miscarriage-free couples, men in couples with recurrent pregnancy loss had twice as much sperm DNA damage and four times the amount reactive oxygen species. Damaged sperm DNA is known to reduce fertility, the researchers noted.

Potential for new drug therapies

The new report is scheduled for presentation at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, in New Orleans.

"Our study suggests that it may be useful to investigate if male partners of women with recurrent pregnancy loss have abnormalities in their reproductive function," Jayasena said in a meeting news release.

The findings also open up the potential for new drug therapies. "It may be possible to design future drugs to stop sperm DNA damage to treat couples with recurrent pregnancy loss and reduce the risk of miscarriage," Jayasena said.

Research presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Image credit: iStock

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE