Comparison of large‐scale deletions of the sperm mitochondrial DNA in normozoospermic and asthenoteratozoospermic men

Background and objective Mitochondria play a crucial role in energy metabolism for the survival and motility of sperm during fertilization. The aim of this study was to determine the association of large‐scale mitochondrial DNA deletions with abnormal sperm motility and morphology in asthenoteratozoospermic patients. Materials and methods In this case‐control study, 41 semen samples were collected from 18 normozoospermic healthy men and 23 asthenoteratozoospermic patients, according to the WHO guidelines. The swim‐up technique was used for separation of spermatozoa on the basis of their motility. Long‐range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for screening of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) large‐scale deletions, and primer shift PCR was used for confirmation of deletions. Results The mean sperm motility, normal morphology, and progressive motility in asthenoteratozoospermic patients were significantly lower than in the normozoospermic group (P