Preparation of human frozen-thawed seminal specimens using the SpermPrep filtration method: improvements over the conventional swim-up method

Selection of red deer spermatozoa with different cryoresistance using density gradients

The objective of sperm selection media is selecting the best spermatozoa and to remove seminal plasma and diluent for using them in assisted reproductive techniques. It is known that individuals show different cryoresistance in response to the same freezing procedure. Our hypothesis was that the efficacy of selection media could be dissimilar for samples with different sperm quality after thawing. Epididymal sperm samples from mature Iberian red deer were collected and frozen. Males were classified as with high post-thaw sperm quality when sperm motility (SM) ≥ 70%, or as with low post-thaw sperm quality when SM ≤ 69%. Samples were centrifuged using the following density gradients (DG): Percoll^® , Puresperm^® and Bovipure^™ , and several functional sperm parameters were assessed after sperm selecting and washing. Males classified with high sperm quality had higher post-thawing values (p > .05) for all parameters evaluated, except for linearity index, than those categorized as low sperm quality. After selection, some sperm characteristics improved (viability, apoptosis and mitochondrial activity) for both groups, showing the males with high sperm quality higher values in all sperm parameters except for kinematic traits and DNA fragmentation index (%DFI), regardless of DG. Bovipure^™ yield lower values of sperm motility, viability, apoptosis and mitochondrial activity in relation to Percoll^® and Puresperm^® considering both quality groups. There was an interaction between the type of DG and sperm quality group for sperm viability (p = .040) and apoptosis (p = .003). Thus, Percoll^® selected less live and more apoptotic spermatozoa than Puresperm^® and Bovipure^™ for males with low sperm quality. In conclusion, the DG are more efficient selecting spermatozoa from samples with high sperm quality, acting differently depending on initial sperm quality.

The effect of chronic bacterial prostatitis on semen quality in adult men: a meta-analysis of case-control studies

Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) is caused by bacterial infection and maintains a condition of lower urinary tract infection. It may be a cause of male infertility. However, studies showed inconsistent results regarding the effect of CBP on several parameters of semen. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effect of CBP on basic semen parameters. A systematic review was conducted with Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and two Chinese databases (CNKI and WANG FANG) to identify relevant studies that involved the effect of CBP on semen parameters up to July 2014. Both RevMan5.2 and STATA 12.0 software were used for the statistical analysis. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were included. The study illustrated that sperm vitality, sperm total motility, and the percentage of progressively motile sperm from CBP patients were significantly lower than controls (SMD(95%CI) −0.81[−1.14, −0.47], −1.00[−1.28, −0.73], −0.41 [−0.70, −0.12], P<0.05, respectively). However, CBP had no significant effect on semen volume, sperm concentration and the duration of semen liquefaction. In summary, our study revealed that there was a significant negative effect of CBP on sperm vitality, sperm total motility, and the percentage of progressively motile sperm. Additional, studies with larger number of subjects are needed.

VIABILITY AND FECUNDITY OF HUMAN SEMEN SPECIMENS CRYOSTORED AND TRANSPORTED AT 5°C USING THE BIO–TRANZTMSHIPPING

This study was designed to assess the viability and fecundity of semen stored at 5 degrees C for 24 hours using the Bio-Tranz shipping system. Semen specimens were assessed for motility and sperm membrane integrity at the time of collection and 24 hours after storage in the Bio-Tranz. In group 1 (n = 61), specimens were diluted in TYB, processed and used for intrauterine insemination (IUI), leaving an aliquot for storage for 24 hours in the Bio-Tranz. In group 2 (n = 67), specimens were diluted in TYB, stored for 24 hours in the Bio-Tranz and then processed and used for IUI. In both groups, the total motile sperm used for IUI was similar and the women that underwent IUI were standardized for ovulation prediction and time of insemination. The overall sperm characteristics between the two groups were within normal range. Significant decreases were noted in sperm motility and membrane integrity in both groups after storage. Similar pregnancy rates were obtained between the two patient populations. The use of the Bio-Tranz shipper is extremely convenient for patients requiring semen evaluation, cryostorage or IUI and other assisted reproductive technologies.

Effects of bovine spermatozoa preparation on embryonic development in vitro

The aim of our research was to examine the ability of density gradient preparation BoviPure and swim up method on bull sperm separation and in vitro embryo production (IVP) systems. Frozen/thawed semen from six Simmental bulls was pooled and treated using both methods. The sperm motility, concentration, membrane activity, membrane integrity and acrosomal status were evaluated and compared before and after sperm processing using BoviPure and swim up methods. We also evaluated and compared cleavage rates, embryo yield and quality between the methods. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the sperm characteristics before and after BoviPure, but not after swim up method. However, there were significant differences for sperm results among those two mentioned methods. A total of 641 oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro and cultured in SOFaaBSA. The percentage of cleavage (Day 2) and the percentage of hatched embryos (Day 9) were similar for both methods. However, embryo production rate (Day 7) was significantly higher using BoviPure method (P < 0.05). Also, total cell number and embryo differential staining (inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells) of Day 7 morulas and blastocysts showed that BoviPure treated sperm displayed higher quality embryos compared to swim up method (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that BoviPure method has an enhanced capacity in sperm selection for in vitro embryo production when compared with swim up method. So, we concluded that BoviPure could be considered as a better alternative to swim up method for separating bull spermatozoa from frozen/thawed semen for IVP of bovine embryos.

A comparison of BoviPure and Percoll on bull sperm separation protocols for IVF

In the present study, we have examined the effect of density gradient preparations BoviPure and Percoll on bull sperm separation and the in vitro fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC) results. Frozen/thawed semen from five simmental bulls were pooled. Sperm quality parameters such as sperm motility, concentration, membrane activity (HOS assay), membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI assay) and acrosomal status (EthD-1/FITC-PSA assay) were evaluated before and after sperm processing for IVF using BoviPure and Percoll density gradient separations. The results of the evaluated parameters before sperm processing were: motility 50%, concentration 82.33x10(6)spz/mL, membrane activity 39.05%, membrane integrity 42.97% and the acrosomal status 46.90% of the live spermatozoa with intact acrosomes. After sperm processing with BoviPure and Percoll the motility was 66.67 and 64.17%, the concentration was 25.50x10(6) and 27.67x10(6)spz/mL, the membrane activity was 53.78 and 56.58%, the membrane integrity was 70.85 and 68.76% of and the acrosomal status was 74.16 and 67.46% of the live spermatozoa with intact acrosomes, respectively. Percentages were referred to the total number of spermatozoa. There were significant differences (P<0.05) between the evaluated parameters before and after sperm processing for both separation protocols. We found no significant differences (P>0.05) regarding sperm evaluation parameters between the protocols. A total of 492 oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro and cultured in SOFaaBSA in six replicates. The cleavage (D2) and blastocysts (D7) rate were significantly higher (P<0.05) for the BoviPure group compared to the Percoll group: 75.80 and 28.21%; 61.58 and 20.83%, respectively. However, the number of hatched blastocysts (D10) did not differ significantly between sperm separation protocols (P>0.05). Our results indicate that both protocols gave suitable sperm for IVF. This finding and the similarity between those two density gradient preparations suggests that BoviPure is a good alternative for sperm separation in bovine IVF.

Assessment of two devices for in vitro preparation of human sperm

The aim of the study was to assess and compare the efficiency of the ZSC-II versus the Sperm Select techniques in preparing human sperm from normozoospermic patients for use in intrauterine insemination and other assisted reproductive technologies. Twenty-five patients were included in the study. Semen was collected at intercourse and processed via 2 sperm preparation methods. Recovery of motile sperm and other sperm qualitative measurements were evaluated before and after ZSC-II and Sperm Select sperm preparation. Sperm qualitative measurements were not significantly different after the ZSC-II and Sperm Select procedures (p > .05). Differences (p < .05) were noted between the 2 procedures in the number of sperm recovered. A higher survival rate (longevity test, 72 h) was observed after ZSC-II sperm preparation and recovery. The ZSC-II procedure yielded higher total motile sperm than the Sperm Select. The superiority in longevity may suggest possible advantages in obtaining higher fertilization and pregnancy rates.

Follicle-stimulating hormone treatment for men with idiopathic oligoteratoasthenozoospermia before in vitro fertilization: the impact on sperm microstructure and fertilization potential

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of FSH on sperm fertilization potential and sperm intracellular structure in men with oligoteratoasthenozoospermia and a proven low fertilization rate in IVF.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, partial crossover study.

SETTING

IVF Unit, Golda Campus, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.

PATIENT(S)

Forty normogonadotropic, normogonadal men with oligoteratoasthenozoospermia and at least one previous IVF attempt in which fertilization failed or the fertilization rate was <30%.

INTERVENTION(S)

The men were randomly assigned to treatment with daily injections of 75 IU of FSH or 150 IU of FSH for at least 60 days before IVF treatment. A control group of men underwent an IVF cycle without treatment and then were randomly assigned tojoin group 1A or 1B for an additional IVF cycle with treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

LH, FSH, and testosterone levels during FSH treatment, evaluation of ultramorphologic changes in sperm by electron microscopy, and comparison of fertilization rates in the control and study groups.

RESULT(S)

After treatment with 75 IU or 150 IU of FSH, the mean fertilization rates were 19.7% and 20.5%, respectively, compared with a 5.8% fertilization rate in the study control cycles.

CONCLUSION(S)

Prolonged treatment with FSH results in a significant increase in fertilization rates. This effect may be related to improvements in subcellular components of the sperm.

Increased recovery of swim-up spermatozoa by application of "antigravitational" centrifugation

OBJECTIVE

To compare the quantity and quality of sperm recovered following the 10-minute application of an antigravitational force during the swim-up procedure with the standard 60-minute swim-up (SSU) procedure.

DESIGN

Prospectively controlled in vitro study.

SETTING

Private andrology laboratory and hospital-based infertility practice.

INTERVENTION(S)

Equal aliquots of semen were evaluated following various intervals of antigravitational centrifugation swim-up (ACSU). ACSU and SSU were then compared.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty-eight men undergoing therapeutic testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sperm concentration, sperm motility, and progressive sperm motility.

RESULTS

The number of sperm recovered from the ACSU procedure was significantly higher than from the SSU procedure. No significant differences in percent motile sperm and progressive motile sperm recovery between the two procedures were observed.

CONCLUSION

The ACSU procedure yields a higher number of motile spermatozoa in a much shorter time.

Evaluation of techniques for the cryopreservation of washed spermatozoa: comparisons between Ham's F-10 and TEST-yolk media

The objective of this study was to develop new techniques for the cryopreservation of washed spermatozoa. Two media (Ham's F-10 and nonthermoprecipitated TEST-yolk buffer [NT-TYB]) containing 7% (v/v) glycerol were compared to semen cryopreservation by adding glycerol directly to the semen. Twenty four men collected a semen specimen each after 4 days of sexual abstinence via the use of a semen collection device at intercourse. Specimens were assessed for volume (ml), count (x 10(6)), percentage and grade of motility, morphology (% normal) and acrosomal status (% intact acrosomes). Each ejaculate was split into 3 aliquots (Aliquots 1 to 3) and processed for freezing. Aliquot 1 was prepared for cryopreservation by adding glycerol (7% [v/v] final concentration) directly via a dropwise mode. Aliquot 2 and 3 were diluted 1:1 (v/v) with Ham's F-10 and NT-TYB, respectively. Aliquots 2 and 3 were then centrifuged (400 x g for 10 minutes) and resuspended into the corresponding media containing 7% (v/v) glycerol to complete the sperm wash procedure. All aliquots were frozen in 0.5 ml french straws. Sperm specimens were frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapor from +23 degrees C to -68 degrees C at a slow rate (2.3 degrees C/minute), after which the specimens were plunged directly into LN2 and stored for 30 days. The quality of the spermatozoa were monitored throughout each step of the overall procedure by measuring the motility characteristics of the spermatozoa. Straws corresponding to each aliquot were thawed in a water bath at 37 degrees C for 2 minutes, followed by assessment of sperm motility and acrosomal status. The percentage of motility after thawing was 31.6 +/- 5.6%, 32.8 +/- 1.8% and 37.3 +/- 1.9% in Aliquots 1 to 3, respectively. Similarly, the grade of motility was 2.4 +/- 0.2, 2.6 +/- 0.1 and 3.0 +/- 0.1 in Aliquots 1 to 3, respectively. The acrosomal status (% intact acrosomes) in Aliquots 1 to 3 was 41.2 +/- 2.6, 43.1 +/- 3.6 and 51.6 +/- 4.5, respectively. The results suggest that the characteristics of spermatozoa washed and frozen in NT-TYB (Aliquot 3) were improved over those spermatozoa prepared via direct addition of glycerol to the semen (Aliquot 1) or by using Ham's F-10 (Aliquot 2). The most significant reduction noted during freezing was in the loss of acrosomal integrity. The results obtained in this study point out that washed spermatozoa can be cryopreserved with some success and that the recovered spermatozoa could be used for intrauterine insemination in an artificial insemination program using husband's or donor sperm, or for the various assisted reproductive technology procedures. It is the opinion of the authors that the information generated in this study is of importance for those scientists and clinicians involved in the handling and manipulation of cryopreserved spermatozoa.

Antisperm antibody treatment mode: levels of antisperm antibodies after incubation with TEST-yolk buffer and filtration using the SpermPrep II method

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether incubation in TEST-yolk buffer (TYB) or human tubal fluid (HTF) could alter the sperm membrane characteristics and its relationship to antisperm antibodies (ASA) and/or antigen detachment from the sperm membrane and to evaluate the filtration of those specimens and possible recovery of ASA-free spermatozoa.

DESIGN

A prospective clinical study.

SETTING

Andrology Institute of Lexington, Lexington, Kentucky.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty patients undergoing infertility treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Recovery of spermatozoa with reduced levels or antisperm antibody-free sperm after treatment with TYB or HTF, followed by filtration using the SpermPrepII method (Sephadex based).

RESULT(S)

Assessment of ASA using the direct immunobead test showed no significant differences between specimens incubated for 2 hours in seminal plasma (fresh) or HTF with regard to levels of IgA and IgG. The percentage binding of anti-IgA and anti-IgG immunobeads was significantly reduced in specimens incubated for 2 hours in TYB compared with specimens incubated in seminal plasma or HTF. Furthermore, selection of spermatozoa using the SpermPrepII filtration method significantly reduced the percentage binding of anti-IgA and anti-IgG immunobeads compared with specimens incubated in HTF.

CONCLUSION(S)

The results suggest that TYB either altered the sperm membrane properties so that there was a decreased affinity at the antibody and/or antigen sites or that the egg yolk proteins were absorbing the antibodies and/or antigens complexes from the sperm membrane surface. Incubation of spermatozoa in TYB followed by filtration with the SpermPrepII method improved the recovery of ASA-free spermatozoa by selectively entrapping spermatozoa with ASA bound to its surface.

Fertilization potential and qualitative characteristics of human spermatozoa after short-term cryostorage at 5 degrees C in two different TEST-yolk buffer preparations

Use of the media TEST-yolk buffer (TYB) in semenology today enables the short-term incubation and cryostorage of spermatozoa and its subsequent use in the various assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Preparation of TYB media involves the addition of egg yolk (20% v/v) to a physiological solution of the zwitterion buffers TES and Tris. The TYB is usually thermoprecipitated to remove the majority of the egg yolk globules and other macromolecules from the medium. However, removal of these egg yolk constituents could possibly eliminate or reduce essential factors that could enhance the sperm viability and fertilization potential after short-term dilution and storage. Improvements in the quality of the TYB could add greater benefits to those techniques employed in the various forms of ART. The objectives of the investigation were 1) to study the sperm qualitative characteristics following short-term cryostorage at 5 degrees C in either thermoprecipitated (T-TYB) or non-thermoprecipitated (NT-TYB), and 2) to compare the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa stored for 24 hours at 5 degrees C in the two TYB preparations. In Experiment 1, semen specimens from 15 patients were collected, assessed and split into two aliquots. Sperm specimens were processed by diluting 1:1 (v/v) with the T-TYB or NT-TYB, followed by centrifugation and reconstitution of the specimen to its initial volume with the corresponding TYB medium. Sperm specimens were cryostored for 1, 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Samples were taken at each interval and placed in a 37 degrees C water bath and allowed to warm for 15 minutes after each cryostorage interval. Semen specimens were assessed for percentage and grade of motility. The results of this study indicated that, although the NT-TYB yielded better results than the T-TYB, overall those differences were not statistically significant. In Experiment 2, the fertilization potential of spermatozoa recovered after 24 hours of cryostorage in the two TYB preparations and further prepared via filtration, was assessed by the sperm penetration assay (SPA) using zona-free hamster oocytes. The average penetration rate (PR) and penetration index (PI) were significantly better for the NT-TYB than for the T-TYB. The PR was 54% vs. 25%, and the PI 0.78 and 0.27 for spermatozoa incubated in the NT-TYB vs. T-TYB. The range of penetration was also much lower for the T-TYB (6 to 100%) preparation when compared to the NT-TYB (22 to 100%). The highest penetrator showed 100% for both preparations. However, the lowest penetrator showed 6% for the T-TYB and 22% for the NT-TYB. The data obtained in this study suggest that both TYB preparations can be employed in short-term cryostorage (5 degrees C) of human spermatozoa and can adequately maintain the qualitative characteristics of those spermatozoa. The data also showed that the NT-TYB preparation yielded sperm samples of higher fertilization potential, thus possibly establishing the superior usefulness of the NT-TYB in an ART program.

Comparisons of sperm quality, morphometry and function among human sperm populations recovered via SpermPrep II filtration, swim-up and Percoll density gradient methods

The purpose of this study was to compare the morphology/morphometry and fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa recovered via swim-up method, Percoll density gradient method, and SpermPrep II filtration method. Thirty-three ejaculates were equally divided into 2 aliquots. Aliquot 1 was processed via the direct swim-up method, whereas aliquot 2 was filtered via a SpermPrep II column. The Percoll density gradient method was compared with the SpermPrep II method in a similar protocol using 43 ejaculates. Sperm populations recovered via the SpermPrep II filtration method showed significantly higher hypoosmotic swelling test results, acrosin profiles, and percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa than sperm fractions recovered by the swim-up method. Furthermore, significant differences were found in most of sperm morphometric parameters between the above sperm populations. However, sperm fractions recovered via the SpermPrep II method did not show significantly different values for these same tests and for most of sperm morphometric parameters compared to the Percoll density gradient method. These results suggest that the SpermPrep II filtration and Percoll density gradient method are equally efficient in isolating sperm subpopulations with better functional parameters than the swimup method.

Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality

The aim of this prospective controlled study was to assess the effect of acupuncture on the sperm quality of males suffering from subfertility related to sperm impairment. Semen samples of 16 acupuncture-treated subfertile patients were analyzed before and 1 month after treatment (twice a week for 5 weeks). In parallel, semen samples of 16 control untreated subfertile males were examined. Two specimens were taken from the control group at an interval of 2-8 months. The expanded semen analysis included routine and ultramorphological observations. The fertility index increased significantly (p < or = .05) following improvement in total functional sperm fraction, percentage of viability, total motile spermatozoa per ejaculate, and integrity of the axonema (p < or = .05), which occurred upon treatment. The intactness of axonema and sperm motility were highly correlated (corr. = .50, p < or = .05). Thus, patients exhibiting a low fertility potential due to reduced sperm activity may benefit from acupuncture treatment.

Preparation and recovery of frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa via various sperm selection techniques employed in assisted reproductive technologies

A number of semen manipulative techniques are currently available to remove the undesirable spermatozoa, debris and other factors and to increase sperm quality. The use of motility stimulants such as caffeine or others could optimize the recovery and quality of frozen-thawed spermatozoa processed by a variety of sperm selection techniques. Frozen-thawed specimens from 5 bulls were slowly diluted and washed with Ham's F-10 medium containing 3% BSA (w/v) and 0 or 2 mM caffeine. Aliquots containing approximately 50 x 10(6) total sperm cells were used for conventional sperm wash, swim-up, Percoll density gradient centrifugation (80, 70, 55 and 40% Percoll gradients) and Sephadex (SpermPrep I) filtration. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of selected spermatozoa included: total sperm (x 10(6)), percentage and grade (0 to 4) of motility, percentage of spermatozoa with coiled tails and response to the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test (percentage of swollen spermatozoa). When compared to washed specimens, fewer spermatozoa were recovered via the swim-up, Percoll and SpermPrep I filtration methods. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of these spermatozoa improved further after processing with Ham's F-10 containing 2 mM caffeine, followed by selection via the various techniques. Enhancement of sperm motility, in conjunction with the most appropriate sperm selection technique, represents an efficient method for the recovery of spermatozoa with improved qualitative characteristics.

The inhibitory effects of gossypol on human sperm motility characteristics: possible modes of reversibility of those effects

Gossypol (GOS) is a polyphenolic compound derived mainly from cottonseed oil, which has been found to have anti-fertility effects in males. It has been reported to induce disturbances of the hypothalamicpituitary axis, disruption of spermatogenesis in the testes, and inhibition of postejaculatory spermatozoa motility. The inhibition of human sperm motility by GOS has been documented both in vivo and in vitro, although the exact mechanism and possible reversibility of such inhibition is unknown. The objectives of the present study were 1) to examine the in vitro dose response of human sperm motility to GOS, and 2) to determine if the motility inhibition of GOS was reversible, using agents which alter the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), such as, 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP), and forskolin, and adenylate cyclase stimulator. Fresh spermatozoa were obtained from males of known fertility. Motile spermatozoa were recovered via the SpermPrep (SP) method and used further in all experiments. Quantitative and qualitative sperm parameters were recorded at collection, post-SP filtration and post-treatment. Motile spermatozoa were resuspended in either media (SP), or in increasing concentrations of GOS (10, 20, 30 and 50 micrograms/ml) as gossypol acetic acid in media. To study the possible reversibility of the GOS effects, spematozoa already exposed to GOS for 2 hr (at the concentrations mentioned above) were centrifuged and reconstituted in media containing either 10 mM 8-Br-cAMP or 100 microM forskolin and measurements of percent motility and grade of motility (0-4) were taken at 0 time and at 30 min intervals for a total of 2 hr. Each experiment was replicated 8 times. The results obtained in this study showed that GOS inhibited sperm motility in a dose and time dependent manner. The motility characteristics of the 50 micrograms/ml GOS group were lower than all other groups (p < 0.001) and the spermatozoa were completely immobilized within 60 min. Cyclic AMP somewhat rescued the GOS-treated sperm, whereas exposure of GOS-treated sperm to forskolin had no such effects. The data generated in the present study suggest that GOS inhibits cAMP formation, which subsequently decreases sperm motility characteristics. At low concentrations (up to 20 micrograms/ml for 30 min), GOS inhibition is reversibile and compounds that act to increase cAMP seem to be partially responsible for the reversal of GOS inhibition. However, GOS inhibitory effects at levels higher than 20 micrograms/ml (exposed for 30 min) were impossible to reverse, which suggest that GOS at those levels could be an effective agent for vaginal contraception.

Filtration of human seminal specimens using LeukoSorb leukocyte-retention medium

OBJECTIVE

To compare LeukoSorb filtration with Percoll centrifugation in preparing sperm.

METHODS

Each of 26 human seminal specimens were analyzed before and after two preparation methods.

RESULTS

In normospermic specimens (n = 11), LeukoSorb produced higher results than Percoll did with regard to mean percentage of motility (72.7% vs 59.2%), total swollen sperm in a hypo-osmotic swelling test (84.8% vs 59.0%), (g)-type swollen sperm (37.8% vs 23.4%) and tail abnormality (20.4% vs 10.1%). In asthenospermic specimens (n = 15), LeukoSorb produced higher results than Percoll did with regard to mean percentage of motile sperm recovery (22.2% vs 10.1%), motility (46.9% vs 23.2%), viability (75.6% vs 54.7%), total swollen sperm (84.8% vs 59.0%) and tail abnormality (42.2% vs 24.3%), although the mean percentage of head abnormality was lower with LeukoSorb than with Percoll (30.6% vs 40.2%) vs 40.2%). In pyospermic specimens (n = 10), the mean concentration of round cells after LeukoSorb decreased significantly more than with Percoll (p = 0.029). The filtration time correlated with the total sperm concentration.

CONCLUSION

LeukoSorb filtration is useful for preparing asthenospermic and pyospermic seminal specimens.

Frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa diluted by slow or rapid dilution method: Measurements on occurrence of osmotic shock and sperm viability

This study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of osmotic shock, sperm viability and membrane functional status of frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa during a short-term incubation period (2 h) in vitro after dilution by 2 methods. Frozen semen from 10 bulls (0.5-ml plastic straws, 7% glycerol) was thawed and diluted by slow or rapid dilution method with Ham's F-10 medium containing 0 or 7% glycerol and assessed for sperm motion parameters, percentage of spermatozoa with coiled tails and reactivity to the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS; percentage of spermatozoa swelling) test at 60 min intervals during a 2 h incubation period (37 degrees C). Post-thaw sperm viability, as reflected by percentage and grade of motility (0 to 4) did not differ between the 2 dilution methods (P > 0.05) at the beginning of incubation (Time 0). However, differences were apparent (P < 0.05) as the incubation time increased. Slow dilution with medium containing 0% glycerol caused less increase (P < 0.05) in percentage of spermatozoa with coiled tails; Moreover, these spermatozoa showed greater reactivity to the HOS test. When contrasting slow vs rapid dilution methods, the occurrence of osmotic shock was less frequent, and response to the HOS test was greater for spermatozoa diluted slowly, regardless of the glycerol content of the incubation medium. Rapid deglycerolization of frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa in a single step, induces damage which is not detected on the basis of spennatozoal motility but is clearly evident after several hours of incubation by using the HOS test to detect damage.

Intrauterine insemination in male subfertility: a comparative study of sperm preparation using a commercial Percoll kit and conventional sperm wash

In order to evaluate the possible benefit of sperm preparation using a commercially available, ready-to-use Percoll gradient kit (PerWash, FertiPro, Belgium) for intrauterine insemination (IUI), a two-centre study was performed comparing this method with conventional sperm preparation by means of centrifugation-resuspension. In the Percoll group, 25 couples out of 52 (48%) achieved pregnancy requiring 136 cycles of insemination, with a per cycle success rate of 18.4%. This result was significantly better (P < 0.01) than the per cycle pregnancy rate of 8.9%, which is 23 pregnancies out of 65 cases treated during 259 cycles of insemination with conventionally prepared semen. Also, the 10th percentile of sperm characteristics among successful cases was lower for sperm concentration, proportion and concentration of grade (a) motile spermatozoa in the Percoll group as compared to couples inseminated with conventionally prepared semen. In contrast, cases with elevated proportion of grade (a) motility (> 22%) were significantly less likely (P < 0.001) to obtain pregnancy with IUI, using either sperm preparation method. It is concluded that sperm preparation for intrauterine insemination using the Percoll gradient kit gives a better success rate and can be applied in cases with more severe sperm deficiency.

Use of postseparation sperm parameters to determine the method of choice for sperm preparation for assisted reproductive technology

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate strict sperm morphology after preparation of semen specimens using three different sperm separation techniques, since strict morphology correlates well with IVF.

DESIGN

Semen from 30 men were analyzed before and after sperm separation using mini-Percoll gradient, direct swim-up, and SpermPrep filtration column (ZBL, Inc., Lexington, KY) methods.

SETTING

Assisted Reproductive Technology laboratory at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary end points measured were percent morphologically normal sperm and percent improvement in sperm morphology, using Kruger strict criteria. Secondary factors determined were percent motility, improvement in motility, hypoosmotic swelling, improvement in hypoosmotic swelling, and 24- and 48-hour sperm survival under simulated IVF conditions.

RESULTS

Mini-Percoll produced specimens with significantly greater normal sperm morphology, morphology improvement, motility, hypoosmotic swelling, and survival than obtained with the other two separation methods. For 25 of 30 specimens, mini-Percoll yielded the greatest number of morphologically normal, motile sperm that survived for 24 hours. In four instances, mini-Percoll was associated with an increased percentage of acrosomal abnormalities despite an overall improvement in morphology. Hypoosmotic swelling scores were lower in two subjects after mini-Percoll sperm separation and in three subjects for each of the other methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Data suggest that mini-Percoll is superior to swim-up or SpermPrep for producing specimens with enhanced morphology, motility, and in vitro survival. However, no single separation technique is always superior, and methodology may induce damage to the acrosome or sperm membranes. Sperm specimens should be evaluated individually to determine the best separation method before actual ART cycles. The technique that yields the most morphologically normal, motile sperm that survive in culture should be used for ART procedures.

Improvements and short-term viability of mouse epididymal spermatozoa recovered through the Spermprep™ filtration method

This study was designed to determine the effects of Sephadex filtration (SpermprepI method) on the separation of motile, morphologically normal, mouse epididymal spermatozoa and to study the viability of the recovered spermatozoa over a 3-h incubation period. Spermatozoa were harvested from the caudae epididymie (5 animals per run or replication; n=10) following bilateral testicular excision, after which they were incubated in 2-ml of Test-Yolk buffer (TYB) at 37 degrees C for 15-min. The specimens were then split into 2 1-ml aliquots, with Aliquot 1 as the control and Aliquot 2 as the filtered sample. The SpermprepI column was employed according to the manufacturer's specifications using TYB. During filtration (10-min), 2 different fractions were obtained: first 5-min (Sample 1) and second 5-min (Sample 2). The 2 fractions were evaluated and incubated at 37 degrees C and assessed for percentage of motility and grade of motility (0 to 4) every 30-min for 3-h. Filtration resulted in a significant improvement in the percentage and grade of motility (91.5% and 3.0 vs 76.5% and 2.5, respectively). The results indicate that filtration with the SpermprepI method improved the percentage and grade of motility (P<0.05) but not the percentage of normal morphology of the spermatozoa. In addition, the SpermprepI method enabled the recovery of 45% (8.3x10(6) spermatozoa recovered) of the total number of spermatozoa processed in the control aliquot (18.4x10(6) spermatozoa), which is consistent with previous observations. Most importantly, filtered spermatozoa incubated for 3-h showed a greater percentage and grade of motility than the control spermatozoa (63% and 1.66 vs 39% and 0.82, respectively. The SpermprepI filtration method selected a higher proportion of quality spermatozoa, which also displayed significant long-term motility (longevity) during in vitro incubation.

Improvement in quality of cryopreserved human spermatozoa by swim-up before freezing

Selecting a population of spermatozoa by the swim-up technique yields, after freezing and thawing, a population of cells that contains proportionally more spermatozoa which are morphologically normal, fewer spermatozoa with damaged tail membranes, and a greater percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa with greater velocities and amplitudes of head displacement than those obtained after freezing and thawing the same semen samples in the normal way. This pattern was found for the semen from 10 patients and five volunteers. However, the cells selected by swim-up were as susceptible to the stresses caused by freezing and thawing as unselected spermatozoa in the original semen sample, and the improvement came from the better quality of the initial sample.

Selection of single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid spermatozoa via the SpermPrep filtration column

Eighteen semen samples were collected from 18 normospermic men. Two aliquots (1 mL) were prepared from each ejaculate, washed with Ham's F-10, and each washed sperm pellet was reconstituted in 2 mL volume of Ham's F-10 medium. Each aliquot one was stained using the AO-staining method. Each aliquot two was filtered via the SpermPrep II method, and the recovered spermatozoa were stained similarly. The proportion of single-stranded DNA (red) spermatozoa to double-stranded (green) spermatozoa was significantly higher in aliquot one than in the postfiltered sample (aliquot two), suggesting that the SpermPrep filtration procedure selectively entrapped the spermatozoa with abnormal DNA.