ArticleReproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E2025
Association between serum Vitamin D levels and sperm DNA fragmentation index in varicocele patients: a retrospective cohort study.
Article in Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Vitamin D in male reproduction: molecular mechanisms and pharmacological perspectives.Frontiers in pharmacology · 2026Review
- Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index In Men Referred For Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study of 783 Patients.Journal of family & reproductive health · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
objectiveWhile 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.
methodsThis 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.
resultsA significant inverse association was found between vitamin D levels and DFI (β = -0.24, 95% CI: -0.28 to -0.19, P < 0.0001). Piecewise linear regression identified a threshold at 25.9 nmol/L, below which the inverse association was more pronounced (β = -1.0, 95% CI: -1.2 to -0.8, P < 0.001).
conclusionSerum vitamin D levels have been demonstrated to be significantly associated with the rate of sperm DNA fragmentation index in patients with varicocele, particularly at levels below 25.9 nmol/l.
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