A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SEMEN QUALITY IN SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS INCLUDING SPERM BPDE-DNA ADDUCT FORMATION AND ACROSOME STATUS

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate semen quality of infertile smokers and non-smokers including Benzo[a]Pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10 epoxide (BPDE)-DNA adduct formation and acrosome status of sperm cells. Semen quality parameters were analyzed according to 2010 World Health Organization criteria in 122 non-smokers and 125 cigarette smokers attending tertiary health care centre in Barak Valley of Assam, India followed by BPDE-DNA adduct formation and acrosome status test. A significant decline was found in sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology in smokers (p<0.05) in comparison to non-smokers. However, no significant difference was noted between the two groups of infertile men in terms of macroscopic parameters of semen quality, such as semen appearance, volume, liquefaction and pH, as well as sperm vitality. Formation of BPDE-DNA adducts was visible in smokers whereas acrosomal intactness was evident in non-smokers. These findings corroborate the affect of smoking on semen quality indicating its involvement in the pathophysiology of male factor infertility.