Association between serum Vitamin D levels and sperm DNA fragmentation index in varicocele patients: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

While varicocele is a major cause of male infertility, the role of vitamin D in sperm DNA integrity remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in varicocele patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study conducted at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital included 355 varicocele patients aged 18-45 years (June 2021-June 2024). The primary exposure was serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and the primary outcome was DFI. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association between vitamin D and DFI, adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other confounders.

Results

A significant inverse association was found between vitamin D lev

SUBMITTER: Cai T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12269161 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature