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Milewska AJ, Kuczyńska A, Pawłowski M, Martynowicz I, Deluga-Białowarczuk S, Sieczyński P, Kuczyński W, Milewski R. The Influence of Cryopreservation on Sperm Morphology and Its Implications in Terms of Fractions of Higher-Quality Sperm. J Clin Med 2024; 13:7562. [PMID: 39768485 PMCID: PMC11727669 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13247562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2024] [Revised: 12/05/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Male infertility is a significant global health issue, comprising approx. 50% of all infertility cases. Semen cryopreservation, a critical component of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), is a method commonly used in a wide range of situations, including gonadotoxic treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, hazardous occupational exposures, and various medical conditions. Although historically viewed as potentially damaging to sperm, recent findings suggest that cryopreservation, when performed with appropriate techniques, may in fact enhance semen quality by improving the proportion of healthy spermatozoa, particularly in terms of their morphological parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cryopreservation on sperm morphology and viability, utilizing advanced morphological assessments pre- and post-freezing. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 97 patients undergoing infertility treatment at the KRIOBANK clinic (Białystok, Poland). The semen was liquefied and prepared in the form of slides. Sperm morphology was then assessed using an OLYMPUS BX40 microscope at 60× magnification. Results: The findings of the study revealed significant improvements in sperm morphology, with increased percentages of normal sperm and reductions in deformation indices post-thaw. Conclusions: The findings indicate that optimized cryopreservation protocols may support the selection of higher-quality sperm, offering valuable benefits for ART applications. These results challenge certain past assumptions regarding the impact of cryopreservation and underscore the need for refined freezing techniques to maintain and potentially enhance semen quality for reproductive use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Justyna Milewska
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland; (M.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Agnieszka Kuczyńska
- Kriobank Infertility Treatment Center, 15-879 Bialystok, Poland (I.M.); (S.D.-B.)
| | - Michał Pawłowski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland; (M.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Iwo Martynowicz
- Kriobank Infertility Treatment Center, 15-879 Bialystok, Poland (I.M.); (S.D.-B.)
| | | | - Piotr Sieczyński
- Kriobank Infertility Treatment Center, 15-879 Bialystok, Poland (I.M.); (S.D.-B.)
| | - Waldemar Kuczyński
- Kriobank Infertility Treatment Center, 15-879 Bialystok, Poland (I.M.); (S.D.-B.)
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland; (M.P.); (R.M.)
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Díaz Ruiz E, González Ariza A, León Jurado JM, Arando Arbulu A, Fernández-Bolaños Guzmán J, Bermúdez Oria A, Delgado Bermejo JV, Navas González FJ. Evaluation of the effect of the addition of an olive oil-derived antioxidant (Pectoliv-80A) in the extender for cryopreservation of rooster sperm through the use of a discriminant statistical tool. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103630. [PMID: 38513548 PMCID: PMC10973192 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
During the poultry sperm cryopreservation process, an excess of reactive oxygen species is generated resulting in oxidative stress which harms the quality of avian spermatozoa. To counteract this effect, the addition of exogenous antioxidants, such as Pectoliv-80A (a by-product of olive oil), to the cryopreservation diluent is interesting. For this purpose, 16 roosters belonging to the Utrerana avian breed were used. Six semen pools (from the 6 different replicates) were divided into 4 aliquots corresponding to different concentrations of Pectoliv-80A that were tested (0, 300, 400, and 500 μg/mL), and the cryopreservation process was carried out. To evaluate post-thawing semen quality, different parameters such as motility, membrane functionality, reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, and acrosome integrity were studied. A discriminant canonical analysis was used to determine both the differences between the Pectoliv-80A concentration groups and the discriminant power of the aforementioned parameter used for semen evaluation. Total motility and membrane functionality were reported to be the most discriminant variables for differentiating the different antioxidant enrichment groups and concluded that concentrations of 300 μg/mL showed the most desirable quality of post-thawing semen. The present study could lead to the optimization of both cryopreservation and quality evaluation techniques of the sperm of rooster species, that support the conservation program of endangered local breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Díaz Ruiz
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, 14071, Spain
| | | | | | - Ander Arando Arbulu
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, 14071, Spain
| | | | - Alejandra Bermúdez Oria
- Instituto de la Grasa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, (CSIC), Sevilla, 41013, Spain
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Dode MAN, Capobianco N, Vargas LN, Mion B, Kussano NR, Spricigo JF, Franco MM. Seminal cell-free DNA as a potential marker for in vitro fertility of Nellore bulls. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1357-1370. [PMID: 38438770 PMCID: PMC11143116 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03068-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to identify a marker for freezability and in vitro fertility of sperm samples before freezing. METHODS Semen was collected from nine Nelore bulls; half of the ejaculate was used for seminal plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) quantification, and the other half was cryopreserved. Evaluation of sperm movement using computer-assisted semen analysis and plasma membrane integrity and stability, acrosomal integrity, apoptosis, and mitochondrial potential using flow cytometry were performed on fresh and frozen/thawed semen at 0, 3, 6, and 12 h after thawing. Frozen/thawed sperm was also used for in vitro embryo production. cfDNA was extracted from each bull, and the total DNA and number of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cfmtDNA) copies were quantified. Semen from each animal was used for IVF, and cleavage, blastocyst formation, and cell counts were evaluated. RESULTS Two groups were formed and compared based on the concentrations of cfDNA and cfmDNA present: low-cfDNA and high-cfDNA and low-cfmtDNA and high-cfmtDNA. Up to 12 h post-thawing, there were no differences between the groups in the majority of the sperm parameters evaluated. Cleavage, day 6 and 7 blastocyst rates, and the number of cells were higher in the high cfDNA group than in the low cfDNA group. Similar results were observed for cfmtDNA, except for the number of cells, which was similar between the groups. CONCLUSION The concentration of cfDNA and the relative number of copies of cfmtDNA in seminal plasma cannot predict the freezability of semen but can be used to predict in vitro embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot A N Dode
- Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Natalia Capobianco
- Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Luna Nascimento Vargas
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Bruna Mion
- Department of Animal Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nayara Ribeiro Kussano
- Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - José Felipe Spricigo
- School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Machaim Franco
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Kussler APDS, Bustamante IC, Negri E, Capp E, Corleta HVE. Timing of semen cryopreservation: before or after processing? REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2024; 46:e-rbgo36. [PMID: 38765530 PMCID: PMC11075422 DOI: 10.61622/rbgo/2024rbgo36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Seminal cryopreservation causes significant damage to the sperm; therefore, different methods of cryopreservation have been studied. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of density gradient processing and washing/centrifugation with seminal plasma removal for cryopreservation in semen parameters. Methods Seminal samples of 26 normozoospermic patients were divided into 3 parts: with seminal plasma; after washing/centrifugation; and after selection through density gradient. The samples were cryopreserved for at least two weeks. Motility, sperm count, morphology and viability were evaluated before cryopreservation and after thawing. Results Density gradient processing selected motile and viable sperm with normal morphology in fresh samples (p<0.05). Cryopreservation negatively affected all sperm parameters regardless of the processing performed, and even if the sperm recovery was lower in the density gradient after the thawing, progressive motility, total motility, viability and morphology remained higher (p<0.05). Conclusion Cryopreservation significantly compromises sperm parameters (motility, morphology, viability). In normozoospermic patients, the density gradients select better quality spermatozoa compared to other processing methods; this benefit was kept after thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula de Souza Kussler
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de MedicinaPorto AlegreRSBrazilFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Generar Reprodução HumanaPorto AlegreRSBrazilGenerar Reprodução Humana, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ivan Cunha Bustamante
- Universidade do Vale do TaquariLajeadoRSBrazilUniversidade do Vale do Taquari, Lajeado, RS, Brazil.
| | - Elisa Negri
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de MedicinaPorto AlegreRSBrazilFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Edison Capp
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de MedicinaPorto AlegreRSBrazilFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreRSBrazilHospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Helena von Eye Corleta
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de MedicinaPorto AlegreRSBrazilFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Generar Reprodução HumanaPorto AlegreRSBrazilGenerar Reprodução Humana, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreRSBrazilHospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Ramirez-Fort MK, Kardoust-Parizi M, Flannigan R, Bach P, Koch N, Gilman C, Suarez P, Fort DV, McClelland S, Lange CS, Mulhall JP, Fort M, Schlegel PN. Preservation of male fertility in patients undergoing pelvic irradiation. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2024; 28:835-845. [PMID: 38515820 PMCID: PMC10954274 DOI: 10.5603/rpor.98731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
As the number of cancer survivors increases, so does the demand for preserving male fertility after radiation. It is important for healthcare providers to understand the pathophysiology of radiation-induced testicular injury, the techniques of fertility preservation both before and during radiation, and their role in counseling patients on the risks to their fertility and the means of mitigating these risks. Impaired spermatogenesis is a known testicular toxicity of radiation in both the acute and the late settings, as rapidly dividing spermatogonial germ cells are exquisitely sensitive to irradiation. The threshold for spermatogonial injury and subsequent impairment in spermatogenesis is ~ 0.1 Gy and the severity of gonadal injury is highly dose-dependent. Total doses < 4 Gy may allow for recovery of spermatogenesis and fertility potential, but with larger doses, recovery may be protracted or impossible. All patients undergoing gonadotoxic radiation therapy should be counseled on the possibility of future infertility, offered the opportunity for semen cryopreservation, and offered referral to a fertility specialist. In addition to this, every effort should be made to shield the testes (if not expected to contain tumor) during therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marigdalia K. Ramirez-Fort
- Life Sciences & BioDefense, BioFort Corp, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, United States
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mehdi Kardoust-Parizi
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Urology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Phil Bach
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicholas Koch
- Department of Medical Physics, CONE Health, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Casey Gilman
- Life Sciences & BioDefense, BioFort Corp, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Paula Suarez
- Life Sciences & BioDefense, BioFort Corp, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Digna V. Fort
- Life Sciences & BioDefense, BioFort Corp, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, United States
| | - Shearwood McClelland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Christopher S. Lange
- Life Sciences & BioDefense, BioFort Corp, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, United States
| | - John P. Mulhall
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Migdalia Fort
- Life Sciences & BioDefense, BioFort Corp, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, United States
| | - Peter N. Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Braham A, Ghedir H, Ben Khedher MB, Ajina M, Saad A, Ibala-Romdhane S. Nuclear sperm integrity and ICSI prognosis in Tunisian patients with MMAF syndrome (multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella). HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1429-1438. [PMID: 37671855 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2251679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Sperm Flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of teratozoospermia associated with several sperm flagellar abnormalities. The study included 52 patients with MMAF syndrome and a control group of 25 fertile men. The impact of nuclear sperm quality on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) results was studied in 20 couples. TUNEL assay was used to assess sperm DNA fragmentation and aniline-blue staining was used to assess chromatin condensation. To investigate chromosomal meiotic segregation, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Semen morphology analysis revealed a mosaic of multiple flagella morphological abnormalities, including 46.73% short flagella, 16.22% bent flagella, 22.07% coiled flagella, and 10.90% absent flagella, all of which were associated with a high percentage of sperm head abnormalities. The mean DNA fragmentation index was substantially higher in patients compared to controls (p = 0.001), whereas the rate of aniline blue-reacted spermatozoa was not significantly different. There was a significant difference in aneuploidy frequencies between the two groups (p < 0.05). Infertile males with MMAF syndrome had lower sperm nuclear quality, which affected ICSI results. As a result, better sperm selection procedures are being employed to increase the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Braham
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Houda Ghedir
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Myriam Beya Ben Khedher
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Mounir Ajina
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
- University of Medicine of Sousse, Farhat Hached Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ali Saad
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
- University of Medicine of Sousse, Farhat Hached Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Samira Ibala-Romdhane
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
- University of Medicine of Sousse, Farhat Hached Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
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Yang S, Gao X, Zhang T, Cai F, Zhang H. Density Gradient Centrifugation Alone or the Combination of DGC with Annexin V Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting Prior to Cryopreservation Enhances the Postthaw Quality of Sperm from Infertile Male Patients with Poor Sperm Quality. Andrologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9030902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. To examine whether density gradient centrifugation (DGC) alone or its combination with annexin V magnetic-activated cell sorting (DGC-MACS) can be used to process semen samples from infertile male patients with poor sperm quality prior to subjecting these to freeze/thaw process in order to optimize the outcomes of sperm freezing. Methods. This study enrolled sixteen patients with sperm
, sperm
%, and/or <4% normal sperm morphology. Sperms were processed by DGC or DGC-MACS prior to the freeze/thaw process. Sperm motility, hyperosmotic swelling test (HOS), TUNEL test, and morphological analysis were performed before and after the freeze/thaw process. Results. The freeze/thaw process had a detrimental effect on sperm motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity in all three groups (RAW, DGC, and DGC + MACS groups). The DGC and DGC + MACS groups showed increased sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology following freeze/thaw than untreated frozen controls. The motility and viability were not significantly different between DGC-MACS-CPT (cryopreservation-thawing) and DGC-CPT groups. Moreover, almost no grade A or grade B sperm was observed in the DGC-MACS-CPT groups. The sperm selected by DGC or DGC + MACS showed decreased levels of sperm DNA fragmentation than RAW samples following freeze/thaw. Moreover, the sperm DNA fragmentation following freeze/thaw in the DGC-MACS-CPT group was significantly lower than that in the DGC-CPT group. Conclusions. Sperm preparation by DGC before cryopreservation improved the quality of sperm postthaw in infertile males with poor sperm quality. If the sperm quality following freeze/thaw is foreseen to be insufficient for artificial insemination with husband’s sperm or in vitro fertilization, or if there is high DNA fragmentation in RAW sperm, DGC + MACS should be used prior to cryopreservation to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and improve the quality of sperm available for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Taijian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Feifei Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
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Cryopreservation of Human Spermatozoa: Functional, Molecular and Clinical Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054656. [PMID: 36902084 PMCID: PMC10002855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is an expanding strategy to allow not only fertility preservation for individuals who need such procedures because of gonadotoxic treatments, active duty in dangerous occupations or social reasons and gamete donation for couples where conception is denied, but also for animal breeding and preservation of endangered animal species. Despite the improvement in semen cryopreservation techniques and the worldwide expansion of semen banks, damage to spermatozoa and the consequent impairment of its functions still remain unsolved problems, conditioning the choice of the technique in assisted reproduction procedures. Although many studies have attempted to find solutions to limit sperm damage following cryopreservation and identify possible markers of damage susceptibility, active research in this field is still required in order to optimize the process. Here, we review the available evidence regarding structural, molecular and functional damage occurring in cryopreserved human spermatozoa and the possible strategies to prevent it and optimize the procedures. Finally, we review the results on assisted reproduction technique (ARTs) outcomes following the use of cryopreserved spermatozoa.
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9
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Superior effect of broccoli methanolic extract on control of oxidative damage of sperm cryopreservation and reproductive performance in rats: A comparison with vitamin C and E antioxidant. Theriogenology 2022; 181:50-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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10
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Androni DA, Dodds S, Tomlinson M, Maalouf WE. Is pre-freeze sperm preparation more advantageous than post-freeze? REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:17-25. [PMID: 35128430 PMCID: PMC8812453 DOI: 10.1530/raf-20-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm cryopreservation is characterised to this day by sub-optimal success rates. Interestingly, a traditional approach to improving post-thaw outcome has been to integrate standard sperm preparation techniques into freezing protocols as a means of selecting sperm with the highest fertilisation potential prior to insemination. However, no consensus has been reached yet regarding the optimal timing (before or after freezing) of this selection step. Following analysis of a total of 20 human semen samples, which were divided into two aliquots prepared by density gradient centrifugation either before or after freezing, this study demonstrated higher post-thaw total (P < 0.0001), progressively motile (P = 0.005) and vital (P < 0.0001) sperm counts for frozen-prepared semen samples. The present study suggests that direct insemination with frozen-prepared sperm with minimal intervening post-thaw processing might be a more advantageous approach to current clinical practices, particularly for donor and patient intrauterine insemination programmes. Further research into cryopreservation-induced coiled sperm tail morphology is also warranted. Lay summary Freezing and storing of sperm in liquid nitrogen ('sperm cryopreservation') is the current method of choice for preserving the fertility of a wide scope of men. Nevertheless, sub-optimal sperm survival is still associated with traditional cryopreservation methods, namely 'slow freezing', and may affect fertility treatment success rates. Interestingly, a widely applied approach for selecting high-quality sperm before treatment has been to incorporate 'sperm preparation' techniques, such as density gradient centrifugation, in slow freezing protocols. There is, however, an ongoing debate regarding which is the optimal timing of this selection step: before or after freezing. In this study, we collected 20 human semen samples which were divided into two portions and subjected to density gradient centrifugation either before or after freezing. Post-thaw semen analyses demonstrated significantly improved sperm counts (P < 0.05) when density gradient centrifugation was performed before freezing, thus suggesting this approach to be more advantageous for current clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mathew Tomlinson
- Fertility Unit, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.,School of Medicine, Division Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Walid E Maalouf
- School of Medicine, Division Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Pons-Rejraji H, Vorilhon S, Difrane A, Dollet S, Bourgne C, Berger M, Chaput L, Pereira B, Bouche C, Drevet JR, Brugnon F. Beneficial effects of hypotaurine supplementation in preparation and freezing media on human sperm cryo-capacitation and DNA quality. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:26. [PMID: 34732137 PMCID: PMC8567682 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although widely used, slow freezing considerably modifies the functions of human spermatozoa. Cryopreservation induces nuclear sperm alterations and cryo-capacitation, reducing the chances of pregnancy. Hypotaurine is naturally present in the male and female genital tracts and has capacitating, osmolytic and anti-oxidant properties. The analysis were performed on surplus semen of men with normal (n = 19) or abnormal (n = 14) sperm parameters. Spermatozoa were selected by density gradient centrifugation before slow freezing. For each sample, these steps were performed in parallel with ("H+" arm) or without ("H-" arm) hypotaurine supplementation. After thawing, we measured total and progressive mobility, vitality, acrosome integrity, markers of capacitation signaling pathway and nuclear quality. For the latter, we focused on sperm chromatin packaging, DNA fragmentation and the presence of vacuoles in the sperm nucleus. RESULTS Post-thaw spermatozoa selected and frozen in the presence of hypotaurine had a higher vitality (+ 16.7%, p < 0.001), progressive and total motility (+ 39.9% and + 21.6% respectively, p < 0.005) than spermatozoa from the control "H-" arm. Hypotaurine also reduced the non-specific phosphorylation of the capacitation protein markers P110 and P80 (p < 0.01), indicating a decrease in cryo-capacitation. Hypotaurine supplementation reduced chromatin decondensation, measured by chromomycin A3 (- 16.1%, p < 0.05), DNA fragmentation (- 18.7%, p < 0.05) and nuclear vacuolization (- 20.8%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate beneficial effects of hypotaurine supplementation in preparation and freezing procedures on human spermatozoa sperm fertilization capacity and nucleus quality. Hypotaurine supplementation limited cryo-capacitation, increased the proportion of live and progressively motile spermatozoa and reduces the percentage of spermatozoa showing chromatin decondensation, DNA fragmentation and nuclear vacuolation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trial, NCT04011813 . Registered 19 May 2019 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, F-63003, Clermont-Ferrand, France. .,Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM 1240, IMoST, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Solène Vorilhon
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, F-63003, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Asmaa Difrane
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, F-63003, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sandra Dollet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM 1240, IMoST, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Bourgne
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, F-63003, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc Berger
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, F-63003, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laure Chaput
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, F-63003, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM 1240, IMoST, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, DRCI, Biostatistics Unit 'Délégation Recherche Clinique et Innovation', Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cyril Bouche
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, F-63003, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR6293, INSERM U1103, GReD, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Assistance Médicale à la Procréation - CECOS, F-63003, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM 1240, IMoST, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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12
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A cryoprotectant supplemented with pentoxifylline can improve the effect of freezing on the motility of human testicular sperm. ZYGOTE 2021; 30:92-97. [PMID: 34158133 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of a cryoprotectant with and without pentoxifylline supplementation on the motility and viability of human testicular sperm, both before and after freezing. Testicular samples were obtained from 68 patients with azoospermia who came to the Andrology Service of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, for testicular biopsies from December 2019 to April 2020. All patients were assigned randomly to two groups: experimental, whose testicular sperm were added to the cryoprotectant with pentoxifylline, and the control, whose testicular sperm were added to the cryoprotectant without pentoxifylline. Both groups used the same freezing and thawing methods. Testicular sperm motility in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, both before and after cryopreservation. The recovery rate of sperm motility in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The percentage of samples with motile testicular sperm in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group after thawing. Sperm viability was unchanged between the experimental and control groups, both before and after freezing. Overall, a pentoxifylline-supplemented cryoprotectant can significantly improve the motility of testicular sperm before and after cryopreservation.
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13
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Pennings G, Couture V, Ombelet W. Social sperm freezing. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:833-839. [PMID: 33501976 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased paternal age has been associated with lower fertility and higher genetic risk for the offspring. One way to prevent these consequences is to freeze sperm at a young age. Social sperm freezing could be developed in a way similar to social oocyte freezing. The main difference between freezing oocytes and sperm is that social sperm freezing is much less focussed on fertility preservation and much more on avoiding increased genetic risk. Contrary to what some people seem to believe, sperm freezing is more complicated than it looks at first sight. This article considers three practical aspects: freezing, storage and testing. It is concluded that the remedy (cryopreservation) may itself cause damage to the quality of the spermatozoon and to its genetic integrity, thus undoing the possible benefits in terms of fertility and health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pennings
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Vincent Couture
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.,Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1L 3L5, Canada
| | - Willem Ombelet
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, ZOL Hospitals, Genk B-3600, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt B-3500, Belgium
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14
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A novel approach for human sperm cryopreservation with AFPIII. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:169-174. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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15
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Abstract
The male contribution to infertility has traditionally been overlooked, or at best oversimplified. In recent years efforts have been made to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to maximize fertility outcomes. A renewed focus on the male partner has resulted in an increased understanding of both genetic and epigenetic changes within the male germline. Furthermore, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, copy-number variants, DNA damage, sperm cryopreservation, obesity, and paternal age have recently been recognized as important factors that play a role in male fertility. Developing a deeper knowledge of these issues could potentially lead to improved success with assisted reproductive technology.
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16
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Bertelli M, Paolacci S, Placidi G, Scaccia G, Chiurazzi P, Fulcheri E, Malacarne D, Lichterman B, Petralia P. Combined use of medically-assisted reproductive techniques: a new bioethical issue. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2019; 90:58-61. [PMID: 31577256 PMCID: PMC7233638 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i10-s.8761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background and aim: The studies of Nobel laureate Robert Geoffrey Edwards led to the first in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in 1978. Since then, reproductive medicine has made huge advances. Methods available to sterile couples now include: purchasing oocytes and sperm, uterus surrogacy, pre-implantation or pre-natal diagnosis, embryo/fetal selection. Here we highlight the fact that combinations of existing technologies could threaten the non-marketability of human life. Methods: We searched PubMed and websites to find articles regarding assisted reproduction techniques. Results: These methods, taken separately, provide support for natural fertilization, but when used together, they may lead to genuine “baby factories”. In poor countries, such “factories” exist and often act illegally. Conclusions: We highlight the need for deeper bioethical studies and better legislation regarding the combined use of medically-assisted reproductive techniques. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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