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Zhang X, Chao S, Ye N, Ouyang D. Emerging trends in sperm selection: enhancing success rates in assisted reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:67. [PMID: 38877490 PMCID: PMC11177495 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the evolving landscape of sperm selection techniques within the realm of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Our analysis delves into a range of methods from traditional approaches like density gradient centrifugation to advanced techniques such as Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) and Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI). We critically assess the efficacy of these methods in terms of sperm motility, morphology, DNA integrity, and other functional attributes, providing a detailed comparison of their clinical outcomes. We highlight the transition from conventional sperm selection methods, which primarily focus on physical characteristics, to more sophisticated techniques that offer a comprehensive evaluation of sperm molecular properties. This shift not only promises enhanced prediction of fertilization success but also has significant implications for improving embryo quality and increasing the chances of live birth. By synthesizing various studies and research papers, we present an in-depth analysis of the predictability of different sperm selection procedures in ART. The review also discusses the clinical applicability of these methods, emphasizing their potential in shaping the future of assisted reproduction. Our findings suggest that the integration of advanced sperm selection strategies in ART could lead to more cost-effective treatments with reduced duration and higher success rates. This review aims to provide clinicians and researchers in reproductive medicine with comprehensive insights into the current state and future prospects of sperm selection technologies in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuen Chao
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Ningxin Ye
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Dongfang Ouyang
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada.
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Sperm Selection for ICSI: Do We Have a Winner? Cells 2021; 10:cells10123566. [PMID: 34944074 PMCID: PMC8700516 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the aim of sperm cells’ preparation is to select competent spermatozoa with the highest fertilization potential and in this context, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) represents the most applied technique for fertilization. This makes the process of identifying the perfect spermatozoa extremely important. A number of methods have now been developed to mimic some of the natural selection processes that exist in the female reproductive tract. Although many studies have been conducted to identify the election technique, many doubts and disagreements still remain. In this review, we will discuss all the sperm cell selection techniques currently available for ICSI, starting from the most basic methodologies and continuing with those techniques suitable for sperm cells with reduced motility. Furthermore, different techniques that exploit some sperm membrane characteristics and the most advanced strategy for sperm selection based on microfluidics, will be examined. Finally, a new sperm selection method based on a micro swim-up directly on the ICSI dish will be analyzed. Eventually, advantages and disadvantages of each technique will be debated, trying to draw reasonable conclusions on their efficacy in order to establish the gold standard method.
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Orsolini MF, Meyers SA, Dini P. An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section II. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113319. [PMID: 34828049 PMCID: PMC8614388 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to improve fertilization and pregnancy rates within artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization techniques in horses, producers may choose to select the best sperm within an ejaculate. In this paper, we review conventional and novel methods of sperm selection. Abstract As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of available semen selection techniques. This segment of our two-section review will focus on the selection of spermatozoa based on quality and sex for equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as current and future developments in sperm sorting technologies. Ultimately, novel methods of semen selection will be assessed based on their efficacy in other species and their relevance and future application towards ARTs in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan F. Orsolini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Stuart A. Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Sperm selection in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is sophisticated. Only about 1,000 sperm out of millions in an ejaculate reach the fallopian tube and thus have a chance of fertilizing an oocyte. In assisted reproduction techniques, sperm are usually selected using their density or motility, characteristics that do not reflect their fertilization competence and, therefore, might result in failure to fertilize the oocyte. Although sperm processing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) bypasses many of the selection processes in the FRT, selection by the cumulus mass and the zona pellucida remain intact. By contrast, the direct injection of a sperm into an oocyte in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) bypasses all natural selection barriers and, therefore, increases the risk of transferring paternal defects such as fragmented DNA and genomic abnormalities in sperm to the resulting child. Research into surrogate markers of fertilization potential and into simulating the natural sperm selection processes has progressed. However, methods of sperm isolation - such as hyaluronic acid-based selection and microfluidic isolation based on sperm tactic responses - use only one or two parameters and are not comparable with the multistep sperm selection processes naturally occurring within the FRT. Fertilization-competent sperm require a panel of molecules, including zona pellucida-binding proteins and ion channel proteins, that enable them to progress through the FRT to achieve fertilization. The optimal artificial sperm selection method will, therefore, probably need to use a multiparameter tool that incorporates the molecular signature of sperm with high fertilization potential, and their responses to external cues, within a microfluidic system that can replicate the physiological processes of the FRT in vitro.
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Pinto S, Carrageta DF, Alves MG, Rocha A, Agarwal A, Barros A, Oliveira PF. Sperm selection strategies and their impact on assisted reproductive technology outcomes. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13725. [PMID: 32596880 DOI: 10.1111/and.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has revolutionised the treatment of human infertility, giving hope to the patients previously considered incapable of establishing pregnancy. While semen analysis is performed to access whether a sample has an adequate number of viable, motile and morphologically normal sperm cells able to achieve fertilisation, sperm selection techniques for ART aim to isolate the most competent spermatozoon which is characterised by the highest fertilising potential. Based on the semen analysis results, the correct sperm selection technique must be chosen and applied. In this review, different sperm selection strategies for retrieving spermatozoa with the highest fertilising potential and their impact on ART outcomes are discussed. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of each method and the best suited techniques for each clinical scenario are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraia Pinto
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics A. Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - David F Carrageta
- Department of Microscopy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - António Rocha
- CECA/ICETA - Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal, Universidade do Porto & Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics A. Barros, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Marzano G, Chiriacò MS, Primiceri E, Dell’Aquila ME, Ramalho-Santos J, Zara V, Ferramosca A, Maruccio G. Sperm selection in assisted reproduction: A review of established methods and cutting-edge possibilities. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Magdanz V, Gebauer J, Sharan P, Eltoukhy S, Voigt D, Simmchen J. Sperm-Particle Interactions and Their Prospects for Charge Mapping. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1900061. [PMID: 32648653 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In this article, a procedure to investigate sperm charge distribution by electrostatic sperm-particle interactions is demonstrated. Differently chargedparticles are fabricated and their attachment distribution on the bovine sperm membrane is investigated. The sperm-particle attachment sites are observed using bright field and cryo-scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The findings suggest that the charge distribution of the sperm membrane is not uniform, and although the overall net charge of the sperm cell is negative, positively charged areas are especially found on the sperm heads. The newly developed method is used to investigate the dynamic charge distribution of the sperm cell membrane upon maturation induced by heparin, as a representation of the multitude of changes during the development of a sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Magdanz
- Applied Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Gebauer
- Applied Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Priyanka Sharan
- Chair of Physical Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Samar Eltoukhy
- Applied Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dagmar Voigt
- Chair of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Juliane Simmchen
- Chair of Physical Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01062, Dresden, Germany
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Dos Santos AP, Levin Y. Like-Charge Attraction between Metal Nanoparticles in a 1∶1 Electrolyte Solution. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 122:248005. [PMID: 31322379 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.122.248005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We calculate the force between two spherical metal nanoparticles of charge Q_{1} and Q_{2} in a dilute 1∶1 electrolyte solution. Numerically solving the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, we find that metal nanoparticles with the same sign of charge can attract one another. This is fundamentally different from what is found for like-charged, nonpolarizable, colloidal particles, the two-body interaction potential for which is always repulsive inside a dilute 1∶1 electrolyte. Furthermore, the existence of like-charge attraction between spherical metal nanoparticles is even more surprising in view of the result that such attraction is impossible between parallel metal slabs, showing the fundamental importance of curvature. To overcome a slow convergence of the numerical solution of the full nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, we developed a modified Derjaguin approximation which allows us to accurately and rapidly calculate the interaction potential between two metal nanoparticles or between a metal nanoparticle and a phospholipid membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre P Dos Santos
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Caixa Postal 15051, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Yan Levin
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Caixa Postal 15051, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Wang C, Feng G, Shu J, Zhou H, Zhang B, Chen H, Lin R, Gan X, Wu Z, Wei T. Cumulus oophorus complexes favor physiologic selection of spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril 2018; 109:823-831. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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