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Nguyen ST, Edo A, Nagahara M, Otoi T, Taniguchi M, Takagi M. Selection of spermatozoa with high motility and quality from bovine frozen-thawed semen using the centrifuge-free device. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 260:107386. [PMID: 38056176 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107386] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the potential of the centrifuge-free commercial device (MIGLIS®) in selecting functional frozen-thawed bovine sperm by migration-sedimentation, its effect on embryo development, and compare the potential with that of centrifugation-based techniques, including washing and Percoll density gradient centrifugation (DGC). In experiment 1, different dilutions (1.5×, 2×, and 3×) of frozen-thawed spermatozoa were assessed to identify the adequate one for the MIGLIS method. In experiment 2, the recovery rates, quality, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations of the spermatozoa selected using MIGLIS, washing, and Percoll DGC were compared. In experiment 3, the resultant in vitro fertilised embryos from spermatozoa selected using the three methods were evaluated for blastocyst formation rates and intracellular ROS concentrations at the 2-4 cell stage. The intracellular ROS concentrations were investigated using 2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. Using the MIGLIS device, significantly more spermatozoa were recovered at 2× dilution compared with the other dilution ratio, but the motility was not affected by the dilution ratio. On the selection of spermatozoa using the three methods, employing MIGLIS decreased the recovery rates. However, the MIGLIS method increased motility, viability, and acrosome integrity rates compared to those in spermatozoa from the other methods. The ROS concentration of spermatozoa in the MIGLIS method was significantly lower than that in the washing method. Nevertheless, blastocyst formation rates were similar among the three methods, but the ROS concentration of early-stage embryos produced using MIGLIS was significantly lower than those produced using Percoll DGC. In conclusion, the MIGLIS method has the potential to select functional, high-quality frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suong T Nguyen
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ayane Edo
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Megumi Nagahara
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshige Otoi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masayasu Taniguchi
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan; Laboratory of Theriogenology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan.
| | - Mitsuhiro Takagi
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan; Laboratory of Theriogenology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Balli M, Cecchele A, Pisaturo V, Makieva S, Carullo G, Somigliana E, Paffoni A, Vigano’ P. Opportunities and Limits of Conventional IVF versus ICSI: It Is Time to Come off the Fence. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195722. [PMID: 36233589 PMCID: PMC9572455 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional IVF (c-IVF) is one of the most practiced assisted reproductive technology (ART) approaches used worldwide. However, in the last years, the number of c-IVF procedures has dropped dramatically in favor of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in cases of non-male-related infertility. In this review, we have outlined advantages and disadvantages associated with c-IVF, highlighting the essential steps governing its success, its limitations, the methodology differences among laboratories and the technical progress. In addition, we have debated recent insights into fundamental questions, including indications regarding maternal age, decreased ovarian reserve, endometriosis, autoimmunity, single oocyte retrieval-cases as well as preimplantation genetic testing cycles. The “overuse” of ICSI procedures in several clinical situations of ART has been critically discussed. These insights will provide a framework for a better understanding of opportunities associated with human c-IVF and for best practice guidelines applicability in the reproductive medicine field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Balli
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Cecchele
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Sofia Makieva
- Kinderwunschzentrum, Klinik für Reproduktions-Endokrinologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giorgia Carullo
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Paola Vigano’
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Ali AH, Ajina T, Ali MB, Mehdi M. Efficacy of density gradient centrifugation technique (DGC) in enhancing sperm cell DNA quality for assisted reproductive technique. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-022-00108-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Density gradient centrifugation (DGC) is commonly used for sperm preparation before assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. This technique separates superior motile spermatozoa with normal morphology from the total sperm population. However, there is still controversy as to the effects of this sperm separation technique on sperm cell DNA integrity which is a determining element in the process of fertilization and embryonic development.
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of DGC on sperm cell DNA integrity as assessed by a novel association between two cytogenetic tests.
Study designs
Semen samples were collected from 30 fertile donors and 40 patients being candidates for ART treatment. Each sample was divided into two parts: the first portion was subjected to selection by two layers of DGC (45% and 90%) and the second fraction was rinsed with phosphate-buffered saline solution and centrifuged without density gradient.
Abnormal sperm chromatin structure as evaluated by a sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and DNA denaturation as assessed by an acridine orange (AO) test were monitored in the initially washed sample and in the different layers of the density gradient centrifugation.
Results
DGC significantly improved the proportion of sperm progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology. Moreover, following density gradient centrifugation, the proportion of spermatozoa with denaturated DNA significantly decreased when compared with whole semen (p < 0.001). In addition, we found that spermatozoa isolated in the 90% layer possessed a significantly lower percentage of sperm chromatin decondensation when compared with those remaining in the 45% layer and unprocessed semen (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Using double cytogenetic tests, our study shows that semen processing by density gradient centrifugation is useful in selecting sperm with higher double-strand DNA integrity and recommended to be used in sperm preparation for assisted reproduction.
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Le MT, Dang HNT, Nguyen TV, Nguyen TTT, Nguyen QHV, Cao NT. Effects of sperm preparation techniques on sperm survivability and DNA fragmentation. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221097492. [PMID: 35545843 PMCID: PMC9112774 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221097492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was performed to determine the effect of swim-up (SU) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC) on sperm survival and DNA fragmentation. METHODS Individual semen samples were analyzed before each was divided into two aliquots (half for SU and half for DGC) for calculation of sperm survival and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Sperm DNA fragmentation was determined using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. RESULTS The DFI of the 63 semen samples processed using both procedures was lower than that of the fresh semen samples. The DFI was significantly lower for samples processed using the SU than DGC method. In the sperm survival test, the SU technique was associated with increased sperm motility and vitality following preparation. After 24 hours, however, the concentration and percentage of surviving sperm were significantly lower in the SU than DGC group. CONCLUSIONS Both semen preparation techniques help to minimize sperm DNA fragmentation; however, when the DFI is <30%, the SU technique is more appropriate than DGC. While DGC may be superior for intrauterine insemination, the SU method may be preferable for in vitro fertilization or maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Tam Le
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Hong Nhan Thi Dang
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Trung Van Nguyen
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Thai Thanh Thi Nguyen
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Quoc Huy Vu Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Thanh Cao
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
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Raimondo S, Gentile T, Gentile M, Donnarumma F, Esposito G, Morelli A, De Filippo S, Cuomo F. Comparing different sperm separation techniques for ART, through quantitative evaluation of p53 protein. J Hum Reprod Sci 2020; 13:117-124. [PMID: 32792760 PMCID: PMC7394090 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_117_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: In the last 10 years, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have offered infertile couples an opportunity to complete their reproductive project. However, the high failure rate could be explained with the complex human reproduction system. In ART, the decrease of the success is due to the conditions far from the natural ones. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage of spermatozoa before and after selection procedures, using a new technique able to quantize sperm DNA damage. Settings and Design: They were involved 43 males domiciled permanently in two areas with different Environmental Impact, HEI (high environmental impact) and LEI (Low environmental impact), they are aged between 24 and 31 years with various degrees of dyspermia. Subjects and Methods: The 43 males were divided into two groups: 21 in Group A (EIL) and 22 in Group B (EIH). The samples must be aliquoted into parts of 0.5 mL: Group (a) Control, no processing; Group (b) Swim-up (SUP) from semen; Group (c) classic SUP; Group (d) density gradient centrifugation (DGC). All samples were subjected to a quantitative dosage of p53 protein, before and after processing. Statistical Analysis Used: For the development of the probability and significance of the data, the Student's t-test was used. Results: From our data, it emerges that Groups D and B provide a superior quality about motility, vitality, and apoptosis indexes compared to other conventional techniques. In Group B, apoptosis is comparable to Group D, but they have slightly lower about motility and vitality. Group C is the one that has lower parameters than the other techniques. Regarding the evaluation of p53 protein, the results are conflicting with the evaluation of apoptosis; in fact, in Group D, the values are significantly higher than the other techniques. Conclusions: Sperm separation is an important moment in ART techniques. From our data, it emerges a greater fragility of DNA in the male spermatozoa who reside permanently in areas with high environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tommaso Gentile
- Research Sector Laboratory Gentile S.a.s., Gragnano, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Giusy Esposito
- Research Sector Laboratory Gentile S.a.s., Gragnano, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessia Morelli
- Research Sector Laboratory Gentile S.a.s., Gragnano, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Felice Cuomo
- Research Sector Laboratory Gentile S.a.s., Gragnano, Napoli, Italy
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6
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Grèze C, Guttmann A, Pons-Rejraji H, Vasson MP, Lornage J, Ouchchane L, Brugnon F. Can the SCD test and terminal uridine nick-end labeling by flow cytometry technique (TUNEL/FCM) be used interchangeably to measure sperm DNA damage in routine laboratory practice? Basic Clin Androl 2019; 29:17. [PMID: 31890218 PMCID: PMC6933933 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-019-0098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous tests have been proposed to evaluate sperm DNA integrity. To assess the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test in an andrology laboratory, twenty-five men attending Clermont-Ferrand (France) University Hospital’s Center for Reproductive Medicine were recruited. Sperm DNA damage was measured in the same semen samples using the SCD test and the Terminal Uridine Nick-end Labeling by flow cytometry technique (TUNEL/FCM) after density gradient centrifugation. Results SCD test reliability between readings, readers or slides was clearly established with very high agreement between measurements (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) at 0.97, 0.95 and 0.98 respectively). Despite very good agreement between the SCD test and TUNEL/FCM (ICC at 0.94), the SCD test tended to slightly but significantly underestimate DNA damage compared with TUNEL (p = 0.0127). This systematic difference between the two techniques was − 3.39 ± 1.45% (mean ± SE). Conclusions Andrology laboratories using the SCD test to measure sperm DNA damage need to know that it appears to give slightly underestimated measurements compared to TUNEL/FCM. However, this systematic underestimation is very small in amplitude. Both techniques give almost perfectly congruent results. Our study underlines the importance for each laboratory to validate its method to assess sperm DNA damage before implementing it in routine andrology lab practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Grèze
- 1Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, Pôle Femme et Enfant, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,2Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Laboratoires de Biologie de la Reproduction et de Diagnostic préimplantatoire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aline Guttmann
- 3Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,4Institut Pascal, UMR 6602-CNRS/UCA/SIGMA, Image Guided Therapy/PEPRADE, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- 1Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, Pôle Femme et Enfant, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,5Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, U 1240 Inserm, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Marie-Paule Vasson
- 6Unité de Nutrition Humaine, UMR 1019 - INRA/UCA, Equipe ECREIN, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Unité de Nutrition, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Jean-Perrin, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jacqueline Lornage
- 8Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Femme-Mère-Enfant, CHU de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Lemlih Ouchchane
- 3Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,4Institut Pascal, UMR 6602-CNRS/UCA/SIGMA, Image Guided Therapy/PEPRADE, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- 1Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, Pôle Femme et Enfant, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,8Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Femme-Mère-Enfant, CHU de Lyon, Bron, France
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7
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Punjabi U, Van Mulders H, Goovaerts I, Peeters K, Roelant E, De Neubourg D. DNA fragmentation in concert with the simultaneous assessment of cell viability in a subfertile population: establishing thresholds of normality both before and after density gradient centrifugation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1413-1421. [PMID: 31089933 PMCID: PMC6642232 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01476-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE TUNEL assay is the most common, direct test for sperm chromatin integrity assessment. But, lack of standardized protocols makes interlaboratory comparisons impossible. Consequently, clinical thresholds to predict the chance of a clinical pregnancy also vary with the technique adopted. This prospective study was undertaken to assess the incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation in a subfertile population and to establish threshold values of normality as compared to a fertile cohort, both before and after density gradient centrifugation in the total and vital fractions. METHOD Men presenting at a university hospital setup for infertility treatment. DNA damage via TUNEL assay was validated on fresh semen samples, as conventional semen parameters, to reduce variability of results. RESULTS Total DNA fragmentation in the neat semen was significantly higher in the subfertile group, but the vital fraction was not significantly different between the two cohorts. After gradient centrifugation, DNA fragmentation increased significantly in the total fraction of the subfertile group but decreased significantly in the vital fraction. In the fertile cohort, there was a non-significant increase in total fragmentation and in the vital fraction the trend was unclear. CONCLUSIONS Estimating total and vital sperm DNA fragmentation, after density gradient centrifugation, increased both the sensitivity and the specificity, thereby lowering the number of false negatives and false positives encountered. These findings provide opportunities to investigate the significance of the total and the vital fractions after different assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Punjabi
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.
- University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - H Van Mulders
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - I Goovaerts
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - K Peeters
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - E Roelant
- Clinical Trial Center (CTC), CRC Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - D De Neubourg
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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8
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Microfluidic Devices for Gamete Processing and Analysis, Fertilization and Embryo Culture and Characterization. Bioanalysis 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-6229-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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9
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Punjabi U, Van Mulders H, Goovaerts I, Peeters K, Clasen K, Janssens P, Zemtsova O, De Neubourg D. Sperm DNA fragmentation in the total and vital fractions before and after density gradient centrifugation: Significance in male fertility diagnosis. Clin Biochem 2018; 62:47-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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10
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Sedimentation properties in density gradients correspond with levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, chromatin compaction and binding affinity to hyaluronic acid. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:298-311. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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11
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Muratori M, Tarozzi N, Cambi M, Boni L, Iorio AL, Passaro C, Luppino B, Nadalini M, Marchiani S, Tamburrino L, Forti G, Maggi M, Baldi E, Borini A. Variation of DNA Fragmentation Levels During Density Gradient Sperm Selection for Assisted Reproduction Techniques: A Possible New Male Predictive Parameter of Pregnancy? Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e3624. [PMID: 27196465 PMCID: PMC4902407 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000003624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is one main goal of the present research on assisted reproduction. To understand whether density gradient centrifugation (DGC), used to select sperm, can affect sperm DNA integrity and impact pregnancy rate (PR), we prospectively evaluated sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) by TUNEL/PI, before and after DGC. sDF was studied in a cohort of 90 infertile couples the same day of IVF/ICSI treatment. After DGC, sDF increased in 41 samples (Group A, median sDF value: 29.25% [interquartile range, IQR: 16.01-41.63] in pre- and 60.40% [IQR: 32.92-93.53] in post-DGC) and decreased in 49 (Group B, median sDF value: 18.84% [IQR: 13.70-35.47] in pre- and 8.98% [IQR: 6.24-15.58] in post-DGC). PR was 17.1% and 34.4% in Group A and B, respectively (odds ratio [OR]: 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-7.04, P = 0.056). After adjustment for female factor, female and male age and female BMI, the estimated OR increased to 3.12 (95% CI: 1.05-9.27, P = 0.041). According to the subgroup analysis for presence/absence of female factor, heterogeneity in the association between the Group A and B and PR emerged (OR: 4.22, 95% CI: 1.16-15.30 and OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 0.23-10.40, respectively, for couples without, n = 59, and with, n = 31, female factor).This study provides the first evidence that the DGC procedure produces an increase in sDF in about half of the subjects undergoing IVF/ICSI, who then show a much lower probability of pregnancy, raising concerns about the safety of this selection procedure. Evaluation of sDF before and after DGC configures as a possible new prognostic parameter of pregnancy outcome in IVF/ICSI. Alternative sperm selection strategies are recommended for those subjects who undergo the damage after DGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Muratori
- From the Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Sexual Medicine and Andrology, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence (MM, MC, ALI, CP, BL, SM, LT, GF, MM, EB); Tecnobios Procreazione, Centre for Reproductive Health, Bologna (NT, MN, AB); and Clinical Trials Coordinating Center, AOU Careggi, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence (LB), Italy
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12
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Coughlan C, Clarke H, Cutting R, Saxton J, Waite S, Ledger W, Li T, Pacey AA. Sperm DNA fragmentation, recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:681-5. [PMID: 25814156 PMCID: PMC4492063 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.144946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence is increasing that the integrity of sperm DNA may also be related to implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage (RM). To investigate this, the sperm DNA fragmentation in partners of 35 women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) following in vitro fertilization, 16 women diagnosed with RM and seven recent fathers (control) were examined. Sperm were examined pre- and post-density centrifugation by the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. There were no significant differences in the age of either partner or sperm concentration, motility or morphology between three groups. Moreover, there were no obvious differences in sperm DNA fragmentation measured by either test. However, whilst on average sperm DNA fragmentation in all groups was statistically lower in prepared sperm when measured by the SCD test, this was not seen with the results from the TUNEL assay. These results do not support the hypothesis that sperm DNA fragmentation is an important cause of RIF or RM, or that sperm DNA integrity testing has value in such patients. It also highlights significant differences between test methodologies and sperm preparation methods in interpreting the data from sperm DNA fragmentation tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Allan A Pacey
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, S10 2SF, United Kingdom
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13
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Henning H, Ngo TT, Waberski D. Centrifugation stress reduces the responsiveness of spermatozoa to a capacitation stimulus in in vitro-aged semen. Andrology 2015; 3:834-42. [PMID: 26226856 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Density gradient centrifugation of semen is commonly used in many assisted reproduction techniques. Although gradients have the potential to isolate and enrich motile and viable spermatozoa, the centrifugation force presents a stress factor to cell organelles and membranes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of density gradient centrifugation stress on sperm capacitation dynamics, cell stability and the ability of spermatozoa to specifically respond to bicarbonate in extended semen undergoing in vitro ageing. Extended boar semen (n = 7) was stored for 12, 24, 72 and 120 h respectively at 17 °C before centrifugation and incubation in variations of an in vitro capacitation medium. The number of viable, acrosome intact sperm and motility parameters as assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis did not change during storage. Kinetic changes in viability (plasma membrane integrity) and intracellular calcium levels (calcium influx) during in vitro capacitation were assessed after preparation of semen samples with both, a Percoll and a sucrose gradient centrifugation, either only Percoll, only sucrose centrifugation or no centrifugation. Changes in the viable sperm population that could be specifically attributed as a response to either bicarbonate or calcium were determined. In in vitro-aged (>12 h stored) spermatozoa, centrifugation reduced the proportion of spermatozoa which specifically responded to the capacitating stimulus bicarbonate. Concomitantly, centrifugation increased the proportion of spermatozoa responding to calcium in absence of bicarbonate, thus indicating an increased sensitivity to incubation per se. Absence of centrifugation steps during semen preparation, revealed a highly conserved ability of in vitro-aged spermatozoa to specifically respond to bicarbonate. In conclusion, density gradient centrifugation alters the physiological property of spermatozoa for controlled capacitation, which may influence the success rates of centrifuged semen in assisted reproductive technologies and confound interpretation of capacitation assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Henning
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - T T Ngo
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Sá R, Cunha M, Rocha E, Barros A, Sousa M. Sperm DNA fragmentation is related to sperm morphological staining patterns. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 31:506-15. [PMID: 26278809 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this prospective comparative study, sperm DNA fragmentation (sDNAfrag) was compared at each step of a sequential semen preparation, with semen parameters according to their degree of severity. At each step (fractions) of the sequential procedure, sDNAfrag was determined: fresh (Raw), after gradient centrifugation, washing, and swim-up (SU) for 70 infertile men enrolled in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. sDNAfrag significantly (P = 0.04; P < 0.0001) decreased throughout the steps of semen preparation, with centrifugation and washing not increasing it. A negative correlation to sperm motility was observed in Raw and SU fractions, and a higher sDNAfrag was observed in samples with lower semen quality. Our results confirm that the steps of the sequential procedure do not compromise sperm DNA integrity and progressively decreased sDNAfrag regardless of the sperm abnormality and that semen parameters with lower quality present higher sDNAfrag. Four distinct patterns were observed, of which the entire sperm head staining was the pattern most expressed in all studied fractions. Additionally, the sperm head gene-rich region staining pattern was reduced by the procedure. This suggests that pattern quantification might be a useful adjunct when performing sDNAfrag testing for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosália Sá
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Cunha
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros (CGR-ABarros), 4100-009 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Rocha
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, ICBAS-UP, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros (CGR-ABarros), 4100-009 Porto, Portugal; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, UP, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
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Asghar W, Velasco V, Kingsley JL, Shoukat MS, Shafiee H, Anchan RM, Mutter GL, Tüzel E, Demirci U. Selection of functional human sperm with higher DNA integrity and fewer reactive oxygen species. Adv Healthc Mater 2014; 3:1671-9. [PMID: 24753434 PMCID: PMC4194169 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201400058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization and reproduction are central to the survival and propagation of a species. Couples who cannot reproduce naturally have to undergo in vitro clinical procedures. An integral part of these clinical procedures includes isolation of healthy sperm from raw semen. Existing sperm sorting methods are not efficient and isolate sperm having high DNA fragmentation and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and suffer from multiple manual steps and variations between operators. Inspired by in vivo natural sperm sorting mechanisms where vaginal mucus becomes less viscous to form microchannels to guide sperm towards egg, a chip is presented that efficiently sorts healthy, motile and morphologically normal sperm without centrifugation. Higher percentage of sorted sperm show significantly lesser ROS and DNA fragmentation than the conventional swim-up method. The presented chip is an easy-to-use high-throughput sperm sorter that provides standardized sperm sorting assay with less reliance on operators's skills, facilitating reliable operational steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Asghar
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Infectious Diseases, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vanessa Velasco
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Infectious Diseases, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James L. Kingsley
- Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Muhammad S. Shoukat
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Infectious Diseases, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadi Shafiee
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Infectious Diseases, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond M. Anchan
- Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George L. Mutter
- Division of Women’s and Perinatal Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erkan Tüzel
- Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Infectious Diseases, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Wang M, Sun J, Wang L, Gao X, Lu X, Wu Z, Wang Y, Liu K, Tao J, Wu Y. Assessment of density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) measurements in couples with male factor infertility undergoing ICSI. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:1655-63. [PMID: 25227693 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0339-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate how effectively density gradient centrifugation (DGC) improves sperm nuclear integrity and to determine whether the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test of sperm nuclear integrity in native or DGC-treated semen can predict the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS The DNA integrity of spermatozoa from 63 male factor infertility patients undergoing ICSI was analyzed by the SCD test before and after DGC. The predictive value of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) for ART outcomes was assessed in a cohort of 45 patients who were undergoing fresh embryo transfer. For the analysis, they were divided into pregnant and non-pregnant groups and, independently, into high sperm DFI (DFI > 30%) and low sperm DFI (DFI ≤ 30%) groups. Both raw and DGC semen parameters were examined. RESULTS In the asthenospermia and oligozoospermia groups, DGC decreased the sperm DFI from 31.5 ± 19.7 and 28.5 ± 10.3 to 19.2 ± 18.3 and 16.0 ± 12.8, respectively (P < 0.01). DGC decreased the sperm DFI in the severe oligozoospermia group from 41.4 ± 19.0 to 36.3 ± 20.6 (P > 0.01). The pregnant and non-pregnant groups did not differ in their fertilization rate and sperm DFI in native or DGC semen (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the high sperm DFI (DFI > 30%) and low sperm DFI (DFI ≤ 30 %) groups with regard to fertilization rate, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate for both native and DGC semen (P > 0.05). The patients undergoing ICSI with a high sperm DFI had a higher pregnancy loss rate (defined as spontaneous miscarriage or biochemical pregnancy) compared with patients with a low sperm DFI in both the native and DGC semen groups. CONCLUSIONS DGC highly significantly reduces sperm DNA fragmentation in the semen of ICSI patients, with the exception of those with severe oligozoospermia. The results of the SCD test of sperm DNA fragmentation in native or DGC semen do not correlate with the fertilization rate, implantation rate, or clinical pregnancy rate in patients undergoing ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Aitken R, Finnie J, Muscio L, Whiting S, Connaughton H, Kuczera L, Rothkirch T, De Iuliis G. Potential importance of transition metals in the induction of DNA damage by sperm preparation media. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2136-47. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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18
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Gosálvez J, Johnston S, López-Fernández C, Gosálbez A, Arroyo F, Fernández JL, GÁlvarez J. Sperm fractions obtained following density gradient centrifugation in human ejaculates show differences in sperm DNA longevity. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s2305-0500(14)60014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Nosrati R, Vollmer M, Eamer L, San Gabriel MC, Zeidan K, Zini A, Sinton D. Rapid selection of sperm with high DNA integrity. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:1142-50. [PMID: 24464038 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51254a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Sperm selection is essential to assisted reproductive technology (ART), influencing treatment outcomes and the health of offspring. The fundamental challenge of sperm selection is dictated by biology: a heterogeneous population of ~10(8) sperm per milliliter with a short lifetime in vitro. However, conventional sperm selection approaches result in less than 50% improvement in DNA integrity. Here, a clinically applicable microfluidic device is presented that selects sperm based on the progressive motility in 500 parallel microchannels. The result is a one-step procedure for semen purification and high DNA integrity sperm selection from 1 mL of raw semen in under 20 minutes. Experiments with bull sperm indicate more than 89% improvement in selected sperm vitality. Clinical tests with human sperm show more than 80% improvement in human DNA integrity, significantly outperforming the best current practices. These results demonstrate the presence of a sub-population of sperm with nearly intact chromatin and DNA integrity, and a simple clinically-applicable lab-on-a-chip method to select this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G8.
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20
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O'Flaherty C. Iatrogenic genetic damage of spermatozoa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 791:117-35. [PMID: 23955676 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7783-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Various factors that negatively influence male fertility can affect sperm morphology and physiology. Many studies on humans and animals suggest that both radiation and chemotherapy alter the sperm chromatin, inducing significant damage to sperm DNA, and decrease the level of protamination, thereby altering DNA compaction. Spermatozoa from cancer survivors are affected by chemotherapy even years after the end of treatment. We are exposed to various toxicants present in the environment (e.g., products of air pollution, pesticides, and plasticizers) whose impact on human male reproduction has not yet been established.This chapter aims to update our knowledge on how the sperm chromatin structure is modified by external agents and to describe the different strategies available to better study this complex structure in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian O'Flaherty
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University and the Research Institute- McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, room H6.46, 687 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1A1, Canada,
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21
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Tavares RS, Silva AF, Lourenço B, Almeida-Santos T, Sousa AP, Ramalho-Santos J. Evaluation of human sperm chromatin status after selection using a modified Diff-Quik stain indicates embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes following in vitro fertilization. Andrology 2013; 1:830-7. [PMID: 24124136 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00127.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chromatin/DNA damage can be measured by a variety of assays. However, it has been reported that these tests may lose prognostic value in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles when assessed in post-prepared samples, possibly due to the normalizing effect promoted by sperm preparation procedures. We have recently implemented a modified version of the Diff-Quik staining assay that allows for the evaluation of human sperm chromatin status in native samples, together with standard sperm morphology assessment. However, the value of this parameter in terms of predicting in vitro fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes after sperm selection is unknown. In this study, data from 138 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments showed that sperm chromatin integrity was significantly improved after density gradient centrifugation and swim up (p < 0.001), but no correlations were found with fertilization or embryo development rates (p > 0.05). However, sperm samples presenting lower percentages of damaged chromatin were associated with better quality (Grade I) embryos in both ART procedures (p < 0.05) and clinical pregnancy among IVF couples (p < 0.05). Furthermore, regression analysis confirmed the clinical value of Diff-Quik staining in predicting IVF (but not ICSI) clinical pregnancy (OR: 0.927, 95% CI: 0.871-0.985, p = 0.015), and a threshold value of 34.25% for this parameter was established. The proportion of IVF couples achieving a clinical pregnancy was reduced 1.9-fold when the percentage of abnormal dark staining was ≥34.25% (p = 0.05). In conclusion, the Diff-Quik staining assay provides useful information regarding ART success, particularly in IVF cycles, where some degree of 'natural' sperm selection may occur; but not in ICSI, where sperm selection is operator dependent. This quick and low-cost assay is suggested as an alternative method to detect sperm chromatin status in minimal clinical settings, when no other well-established and robust assays (e.g. Sperm chromatin structure assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUDP nick-end labelling) are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Tavares
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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22
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Repalle D, Chittawar PB, Bhandari S, Joshi G, Paranjape M, Joshi C. Does centrifugation and semen processing with swim up at 37°C yield sperm with better DNA integrity compared to centrifugation and processing at room temperature? J Hum Reprod Sci 2013; 6:23-6. [PMID: 23869146 PMCID: PMC3713571 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.112375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Revised: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate whether semen processing at 37°C yield sperm with better DNA integrity compared to centrifugation and processing at room temperature (RT) by swim-up method. SETTINGS: This study was done at tertiary care center attached to Reproductive Medicine Unit and Medical College. DESIGN: Prospective pilot study. PATIENTS: Normozoospermic men (n = 50) undergoing diagnostic semen analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normozoospermic samples (World Health Organization, 2010 criteria) after analysis was divided into two aliquots (0.5 mL each); one was processed at 37°C and the other at RT by swim-up method. DNA fragmentation of both samples post wash was calculated by acridine orange method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The values of sperm DNA fragmentation were represented as mean and standard error (mean ± SEM) of the mean. Paired t-test was used for calculating the sperm DNA integrity difference between post wash at RT and 37°C. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was not observed in post wash sperm DNA fragmentation values at 37°C compared to RT. CONCLUSION: Our data represents that there was no significant difference in sperm DNA fragmentation values of samples processed at 37°C and at RT. Hence, sperm processing at 37°C does not yield sperm with better DNA integrity compared to centrifugation and processing at RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Repalle
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Mohak Hi-tech Speciality Laparoscopy and Infertility Centre, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Gosálvez J, García-Ochoa C, Ruíz-Jorro M, Martínez-Moya M, Sánchez-Martín P, Caballero P. ¿A qué velocidad «muere» el ácido desoxirribonucleico del espermatozoide tras descongelar muestras seminales procedentes de donantes? Rev Int Androl 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Amiri I, Ghorbani M, Heshmati S. Comparison of the DNA Fragmentation and the Sperm Parameters after Processing by the Density Gradient and the Swim up Methods. J Clin Diagn Res 2013; 6:1451-3. [PMID: 23285427 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2012/4198.2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The swim up and the density-gradient centrifugation are the two main techniques which are used to separate the viable motile sperm fraction in the assisted reproductive technology. However, there are several published studies about these methods, but there is no sufficient evidence for recommending the superiority of one of them. This study was designed to study the efficiency of the swim-up and the density gradient techniques to recover the spermatozoa with a high degree of motility, a normal morphology and a low level of DNA fragmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 35 semen samples were included in the study. The semen samples were collected, one part of the semen was spread on a slide and the remainder was prepared by using the swim-up or the density gradient techniques. The recovered spermatozoa were evaluated for concentration, motility, and normal morphology. A comet assay was carried out to assay the DNA fragmentation in all the samples. RESULTS There were significant differences in the sperm parameters between the density gradient and the swim up techniques. Also, the swim-up technique showed a significantly higher level of DNA fragmentation as compare to the density gradient technique. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated several benefits of the gradients method in the separation of normal and motile spermatozoa with healthy DNA, in comparison to the swim up method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Amiri
- Fatemieh Infertility Center, Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences
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25
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The true impact of the current sperm DNA fragmentation testing needs further scrutiny to assess whether clinically meaningful information is conveyed. RECENT FINDINGS Various studies have suggested different or no threshold values with assorted tests for the percentage of DNA fragmentation in the ejaculated sperm above which natural conception, fertilization or embryo development and/or clinical pregnancy rates are compromised. Current DNA fragmentation assessment methods provide very little specific information on the nature and severity of the DNA damage detected. Although sperm DNA fragmentation is associated with lower pregnancy rates through natural conception or intrauterine insemination, it does not seem to affect intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. Although animal studies demonstrated adverse reproductive effects of sperm DNA fragmentation, any conclusive evidence in humans is yet to be demonstrated. It is not clear whether interventions aimed at enrichment of sperm with decreased DNA fragmentation are effective in preventing the potential adverse effects of sperm DNA fragmentation in humans. Major concern about the use of sperm DNA integrity tests as prognostic parameters is that the direct evaluation of DNA fragmentation in individual sperm fertilizing the oocyte is not possible. SUMMARY The lack of consensus in defining a clinically relevant standard DNA fragmentation test with a meaningful cut-off level brings challenges in implementing the routine use of sperm DNA integrity assessment in daily practice.
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Jayaraman V, Upadhya D, Narayan PK, Adiga SK. Sperm processing by swim-up and density gradient is effective in elimination of sperm with DNA damage. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:557-63. [PMID: 22411295 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9742-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA damage may occur during sperm processing, thereby negatively influencing fertilizing ability of the sperm. The present study was designed to compare the effectiveness of gradient and swim-up, either alone or in combination, to eliminate sperm with DNA damage. METHODS A total of 51 subjects visiting the University infertility clinic with normozoospermic parameters, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia were included. Semen characteristics were analysed by standard criteria; Terminal deoxy nucelotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay was employed for DNA damage assessment. RESULTS The percentage of TUNEL positive sperm after sperm processing was significantly lower in normozoospermic (P < 0.05), oligozoospermic (P < 0.001) and teratozoospermic samples (P < 0.01). No difference was observed in the incidence of TUNEL positive sperm between the various techniques, suggesting that they are comparable. CONCLUSIONS Sperm preparation has been found to result in enrichment of sperm with intact chromatin, which is likely to improve the chances of achieving a viable pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varshini Jayaraman
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Embryology Laboratory, Kasturba Medical College Manipal University, Manipal 576 104, India.
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27
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Oliveira LZ, dos Santos RM, Hossepian de Lima VFM, Paes de Arruda R, de Andrade AFC, Guimarães V, Beletti ME. Chromatin and morphometry alterations of bovine sperm head after Percoll™ density gradient centrifugation. Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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28
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Gosálvez J, González-Martínez M, López-Fernández C, Fernández JL, Sánchez-Martín P. Shorter abstinence decreases sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation in ejaculate. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:1083-6. [PMID: 21924714 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between duration of sexual abstinence and sperm selection on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). DESIGN Prospective study based on normozoospermic individuals. SETTING Fertility and IVF unit and university unit for research. PATIENT(S) Two cohorts of normozoospermic individuals: 21 men (aged 25-35 years) attending a clinic and with clearly adverse female factors; and a group of 12 selected donors (aged 20-25 years). INTERVENTION(S) SDF assessment using the sperm chromatin the dispersión test (Halosperm) in two cohorts of normozoospermic men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) SDF assessment after 24 hours of abstinence with recurrent ejaculation (one every 24 hours) using neat sperm samples; and SDF assessment before and after sperm selection with abstinence of 3 hours. RESULT(S) Lower baseline levels of SDF were observed after shorter periods of abstinence between ejaculations (24 hours and 3 hours) than those recommended. This effect is much more marked after quick repetitive ejaculation (3 hours of abstinence) and sperm selection. CONCLUSION(S) The present results challenge the role of abstinence in current male infertility treatments and suggest that SDF can be efficiently reduced by a biological practice consisting of short-term recurrent ejaculation coupled with effective sperm selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Gosálvez
- Departamento de Biología, Unidad de Genética, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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29
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Ghumman S, Adiga SK, Upadhya D, Kalthur G, Jayaraman V, Rao SB, Kumar P. Combination of swim-up and density gradient separation methods effectively eliminate DNA damaged sperm. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2011; 12:148-52. [PMID: 24591982 DOI: 10.5152/jtgga.2011.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this experimental prospective study was to investigate the efficacy of single and combination sperm wash methods for their ability to isolate DNA intact spermatozoa. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sperm DNA damage was introduced by local testicular irradiation in male mice and the extent of damage was quantified by comet assay. The spermatozoa were subjected to single (swim up or density gradient method) and also a combination of sperm wash techniques. The DNA integrity in various sub-fractions of wash techniques was evaluated. RESULTS The amount of DNA damaged sperm did not differ between individual fractions when single wash technique was applied. However, a combination of density gradient and swim-up techniques significantly reduced (p<0.01) the number of DNA damaged sperm in the final population. CONCLUSION The combination of density gradient separation and swim-up method is effective in eliminating DNA damaged spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surveen Ghumman
- Clinical Embryology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Clinical Embryology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Clinical Embryology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Clinical Embryology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Varshini Jayaraman
- Clinical Embryology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Satish Bola Rao
- Department of Radiobiology and Toxicology, Manipal Life Science Centre, Manipal, India
| | - Pratap Kumar
- Clinical Embryology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
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Sperm chromatin structure assay results after swim-up are related only to embryo quality but not to fertilization and pregnancy rates following IVF. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:862-6. [PMID: 21841807 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) results after swim-up are related to fertilization rates, embryo quality and pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 223 couples undergoing IVF in our hospital from October 2008 to September 2009 were included in this study. Data on the IVF process and sperm chromatin structure assay results were collected. Fertilization rate, embryo quality and IVF success rates of different DNA fragmentation index (DFI) subgroups and high DNA stainability (HDS) subgroups were compared. There were no significant differences in fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy or delivery rates between the DFI and HDS subgroups. However, the group with abnormal DFI had a lower good embryo rate. So, we concluded that the SCSA variables, either DFI or HDS after swim-up preparation, were not valuable in predicting fertilization failure or pregnancy rate, but an abnormal DFI meant a lower good embryo rate following IVF.
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The ability of sperm selection techniques to remove single- or double-strand DNA damage. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:764-8. [PMID: 21725332 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of techniques for the preparation of sperm are currently available, of which the most commonly employed are density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) and swim-up (SUP). To date, these methods appear to be effective in selecting functional sperm for assisted reproduction techniques (ART), but they may have negative effects on sperm DNA. In this study, the ability of these semen processing techniques to eliminate spermatozoa containing single- and double-strand DNA damage was assessed by the two-tailed comet assay and the sperm chromatin dispersion test in 157 semen samples from patients seeking assisted reproduction treatment. Our results indicated that SUP and DGC are equally efficient in eliminating spermatozoa containing double-strand DNA damage and sperm with highly damaged (degraded) DNA, as characterized by the presence of both single- and double-strand DNA breaks. However, DGC is more efficient than SUP in selecting spermatozoa that are free from single-strand DNA damage. Future studies should characterise the importance of the various types of DNA damage and examine the sperm processing protocols used in each laboratory to determine their ability to eliminate DNA damage and hence, prevent the potential transmission of genetic mutations via ART.
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Sauer R, Coulam CB, Jeyendran RS. Chromatin intact human sperm recovery is higher following glass wool column filtration as compared with density gradient centrifugation. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:248-51. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01171.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Aitken RJ, Hanson AR, Kuczera L. Electrophoretic sperm isolation: optimization of electrophoresis conditions and impact on oxidative stress. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:1955-64. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Ainsworth CJ, Nixon B, Aitken RJ. The electrophoretic separation of spermatozoa: an analysis of genotype, surface carbohydrate composition and potential for capacitation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e422-34. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sousa AP, Amaral A, Baptista M, Tavares R, Caballero Campo P, Caballero Peregrín P, Freitas A, Paiva A, Almeida-Santos T, Ramalho-Santos J. Not all sperm are equal: functional mitochondria characterize a subpopulation of human sperm with better fertilization potential. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18112. [PMID: 21448461 PMCID: PMC3063179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm samples are very heterogeneous and include a low amount of truly functional gametes. Distinct strategies have been developed to characterize and isolate this specific subpopulation. In this study we have used fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting to determine if mitochondrial function, as assessed using mitochondrial-sensitive probes, could be employed as a criterion to obtain more functional sperm from a given ejaculate. We first determined that mitochondrial activity correlated with the quality of distinct human samples, from healthy donors to patients with decreased semen quality. Furthermore, using fluorescence-activated cell sorting to separate sperm with active and inactive mitochondria we found that this was also true within samples. Indeed, sperm with active mitochondria defined a more functional subpopulation, which contained more capacitated and acrosome intact cells, sperm with lower chromatin damage, and, crucially, sperm more able to decondense and participate in early development using both chemical induction and injection into mature bovine oocytes. Furthermore, cell sorting using mitochondrial activity produced a more functional sperm subpopulation than classic swim-up, both in terms of improvement in a variety of functional sperm parameters and in statistical significance. In conclusion, whatever the true biological role of sperm mitochondria in fertilization, mitochondrial activity is a clear hallmark of human sperm functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Sousa
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Human Reproduction Service, University Hospitals of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Amaral
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Baptista
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renata Tavares
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Artur Paiva
- Histocompatibility Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida-Santos
- Human Reproduction Service, University Hospitals of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Brahem S, Mehdi M, Elghezal H, Saad A. Semen processing by density gradient centrifugation is useful in selecting sperm with higher double-strand DNA integrity. Andrologia 2011; 43:196-202. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2010.01050.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Jackson RE, Bormann CL, Hassun PA, Rocha AM, Motta EL, Serafini PC, Smith GD. Effects of semen storage and separation techniques on sperm DNA fragmentation. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:2626-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Sperm DNA damage measured by the alkaline Comet assay as an independent predictor of male infertility and in vitro fertilization success. Fertil Steril 2010; 95:652-7. [PMID: 20864101 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation and semen parameters to diagnose male factor infertility and predict pregnancy after IVF. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Seventy-five couples undergoing IVF and 28 fertile donors. INTERVENTION(S) Sperm DNA fragmentation was measured by the alkaline Comet assay in semen and sperm after density gradient centrifugation (DGC). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze odds ratios (OR) and relative risks (RR) for IVF outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in semen and DGC sperm compared with fertilization rates, embryo quality, and pregnancy. RESULT(S) Men with sperm DNA fragmentation at more than a diagnostic threshold of 25% had a high risk of infertility (OR: 117.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.72-2,731.84, RR: 8.75). Fertilization rates and embryo quality decreased as sperm DNA fragmentation increased in semen and DGC sperm. The risk of failure to achieve a pregnancy increased when sperm DNA fragmentation exceeded a prognostic threshold value of 52% for semen (OR: 76.00, CI: 8.69-1,714.44, RR: 4.75) and 42% for DGC sperm (OR: 24.18, CI: 2.89-522.34, RR: 2.16). CONCLUSION(S) Sperm DNA testing by the alkaline Comet assay is useful for both diagnosis of male factor infertility and prediction of IVF outcome.
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Zorn B, Ihan A, Kopitar A, Kolbezen M, Sešek-Briški A, Meden-Vrtovec H. Changes in sperm apoptotic markers as related to seminal leukocytes and elastase. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:84-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2009] [Revised: 09/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Analysis of selected sperm by density gradient centrifugation might aid in the estimation of in vivo fertility of thawed ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2010; 74:979-88. [PMID: 20580077 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of selecting a sperm subpopulation by means of a discontinuous density gradient centrifugation (DGC) on the quality of ram thawed semen, and the relationships between sperm parameters assessed in unselected and in selected sperm samples with in vivo fertility after intrauterine artificial insemination (IUI) using unselected sperm samples. Semen samples from twenty males were collected by artificial vagina and cryopreserved following a standard protocol. After thawing, unselected sperm samples were used in an in vivo fertility trial and sperm motility (subjective and objective, assessed by means of CASA) and membrane and acrosomal integrities (microscopy) were evaluated on unselected and selected sperm samples. In addition, plasmalemma integrity (YO-PRO-1/PI), membrane fluidity (Merocyanine 540/YO-PRO-1), mitochondrial activity (Mitotracker Deep Red/YO-PRO-1), and DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) assessed by Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) were evaluated by flow cytometry before and after sperm processing using DGC. Results showed that DGC improved all sperm parameters significantly, except the %DFI, which increased after the selection procedure. No relationships were found between sperm parameters evaluated in unselected sperm samples and in vivo fertility. However, we found a positive correlation between spermatozoa with high membrane fluidity within the viable sperm population (VIABMerocyanine+) evaluated in selected sperm samples and in vivo fertility (r = 0.370, P = 0.019). In conclusion, our results suggest that selected spermatozoa represent a sperm subpopulation different to the unselected one that could be related with the in vivo fertility.
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Sperm DNA fragmentation: mechanisms of origin, impact on reproductive outcome, and analysis. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:1027-36. [PMID: 20080235 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 423] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the mechanisms responsible for DNA fragmentation in human sperm, including those occurring during spermatogenesis and transport through the reproductive tract. The mechanisms examined include: apoptosis in the seminiferous tubule epithelium, defects in chromatin remodeling during the process of spermiogenesis, oxygen radical-induced DNA damage during sperm migration from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis, the activation of sperm caspases and endonucleases, damage induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and the effect of environmental toxicants. The different tests currently used for sperm DNA fragmentation analysis and the factors that determine the predictive value of sperm DNA fragmentation testing and their implications in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility are also discussed. Finally, we also scrutinize how the presence in the embryonic genome of DNA strand breaks or modifications of DNA nucleotides inherited from the paternal genome could impact the embryo and offspring. In particular we discuss how abnormal sperm could be dealt with by the oocyte and how sperm DNA abnormalities, which have not been satisfactorily repaired by the oocyte after fertilization, may interfere with normal embryo and fetal development. CONCLUSION(S) Sperm DNA can be modified through various mechanisms. The integrity of the paternal genome is therefore of paramount importance in the initiation and maintenance of a viable pregnancy both in a natural conception and in assisted reproduction. The need to diagnose sperm at a nuclear level is an area that needs further understanding so that we can improve treatment of the infertile couple.
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Ricci G, Perticarari S, Boscolo R, Montico M, Guaschino S, Presani G. Semen preparation methods and sperm apoptosis: swim-up versus gradient-density centrifugation technique. Fertil Steril 2009; 91:632-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.11.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2007] [Revised: 11/19/2007] [Accepted: 11/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Fariello RM, Del Giudice PT, Spaine DM, Fraietta R, Bertolla RP, Cedenho AP. Effect of leukocytospermia and processing by discontinuous density gradient on sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial activity. J Assist Reprod Genet 2009; 26:151-7. [PMID: 19184399 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-008-9288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effect of leukocytospermia and semen processing on sperm DNA and mitochondria. METHODS Twenty-two patients with and 41 without leukocytospermia were included. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed by the Comet assay, and mitochondrial activity by a colorimetric method for active mitochondria. Semen was processed using Percoll, and motility, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial activity were analyzed pre- and post-processing. RESULTS No differences were observed in age, abstinence, volume, sperm morphology, progressive motility, concentration, and vitality (p>0.10). Variables were grouped according to time (pre- vs post-processing) and group (leukocytospermia vs non-leukocytospermia) because no interactions could be observed. Leukocytospermia was associated to increased DNA fragmentation, while semen processing led to a decrease in DNA fragmentation and to increased mitochondrial activity. CONCLUSION While semen processing selects sperm with higher rates of DNA integrity independent of the presence or absence of leukocytes in semen, samples without leukocytospermia present more sperm without DNA fragmentation. Semen processing also selects sperm with higher mitochondrial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Maria Fariello
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Sao Paulo Federal University, R Cotoxó 424 ap 13, 05021-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Morrell JM, Johannisson A, Dalin AM, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Morphology and chromatin integrity of stallion spermatozoa prepared by density gradient and single layer centrifugation through silica colloids. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 44:512-7. [PMID: 18992087 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01265.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to investigate whether it is possible to improve the quality of stallion semen, with respect to sperm morphology and chromatin integrity, both of which have been linked to fertility, using either density gradient centrifugation (DGC) or a new method, hereby named single layer centrifugation (SLC). The two methods of colloidal centrifugation were evaluated using 38 ejaculates from 10 stallions. Sperm morphology, subjective motility and sperm chromatin integrity were compared in uncentrifuged samples and in centrifuged sperm preparations. The proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa varied between stallions (p < 0.001) and was increased by both methods of colloidal centrifugation (median value before centrifugation 67.5%; after SLC 78%; after DGC 77%; p < 0.001). The incidence of certain abnormalities was reduced, e.g. proximal cytoplasmic droplets were reduced from 12.9% to 8.8% (p < 0.001), and mid-piece defects from 5.3% to 1.4% (p < 0.05). Similarly, sperm motility and chromatin integrity were significantly improved (p < 0.001), with no difference between the two centrifugation methods. Centrifugation through colloids can enrich the proportions of stallion spermatozoa with normal morphology and normal chromatin structure in sperm preparations. The new method, SLC, was as effective as DGC in selecting motile stallion spermatozoa with normal morphology and intact chromatin. SLC, being simpler to use than DGC, would be appropriate for routine use by stud personnel to improve stallion sperm quality in insemination doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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45
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Stevanato J, Bertolla RP, Barradas V, Spaine DM, Cedenho AP, Ortiz V. Semen processing by density gradient centrifugation does not improve sperm apoptotic deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation rates. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:889-90. [PMID: 17481620 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2006] [Revised: 01/10/2007] [Accepted: 01/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We wished to verify whether semen processing by discontinuous double-layered density gradient centrifugation could improve sperm apoptotic DNA fragmentation rates using a commercially available deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay in 35 consecutive men presenting for assisted reproductive treatments. Although sperm motility did improve as expected, no effects were observed in sperm apoptotic DNA fragmentation rates, and this should be considered in the routine assisted reproduction setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Stevanato
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Sao Paulo Federal University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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46
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O'Flaherty C, Vaisheva F, Hales BF, Chan P, Robaire B. Characterization of sperm chromatin quality in testicular cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients prior to chemotherapy. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:1044-52. [PMID: 18346994 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the incidences of testicular cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma have increased in young men over the past decade, combination chemotherapy has improved survival. As fertility is of importance to these patients, characterization of sperm chromatin structure is needed. We assessed sperm chromatin in testicular cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients prior to chemotherapy, in comparison with control community and idiopathic infertile volunteers. METHODS DNA damage was assessed with the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and comet assays; reactive thiols (SH) and DNA compaction were determined with the monobromobimane (mBBr) and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) assays, respectively. RESULTS Both testicular cancer (37%) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (81%) patients had normospermic samples with increased DNA damage, compared with controls. Cancer patients also had higher reactive thiols and CMA3 staining, indicating low DNA compaction. CONCLUSIONS Sperm DNA integrity and compaction were affected in testicular cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients prior to chemotherapy. Although SCSA, TUNEL and comet assays all detected DNA damage, the latter was optimal for use in cancer patients. A combination of the comet assay with tests that evaluate sperm DNA compaction, such as flow cytometry-based CMA3 and mBBr assays, is a reliable strategy to characterize sperm chromatin quality in cancer patients at the time of sperm banking.
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Affiliation(s)
- C O'Flaherty
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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47
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Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) encompass some of the most exciting modern scientific developments that tremendously impacts society at many levels. Since the beginning of ARTs, scientists have studied and critically analyzed techniques in order to find ways to improve outcomes; however, little has changed with the actual technology and equipment for embryo in vitro production (IVP). New technologic possibilities exist with the escalating advancements of microfluidic technologies. Microfluidics is based on the behavior of liquids in a microenvironment. Although a young field, substantial research demonstrates the potential of this technology in gamete and embryo isolation and culture. In this review, we briefly discuss physical principles of microfluidics and highlight previous utilization of this technology. We then present designs and outcomes for microfluidic devices utilized thus far for different steps in the IVP process: gamete isolation and processing, fertilization, and embryo culture. Finally, we discuss and speculate on future use of microfluidics for assessing embryo viability and multiparametric analysis of embryo secretions and the integration of ART stage-specific capabilities that will lead to an "IVP-lab-on-a-chip".
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Aydos K, Demirel LC, Baltaci V, Unlü C. Enzymatic digestion plus mechanical searching improves testicular sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia cases. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2005; 120:80-6. [PMID: 15866091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2004.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2004] [Revised: 07/20/2004] [Accepted: 10/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In non-obstructive azoospermic patients (NOA) besides the mechanical treatment, vital spermatozoa from the tissue obtained from testes by biopsy can be enzymatically prepared. OBJECTIVE To increase the sperm recovery success of testicular sperm extraction (TESE), suitable for ICSI. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, clinical study. In 177 consecutive men who presented with clinical and laboratory data indicating NOA, tissue samples were obtained by microdissection TESE method. Initially, mature spermatozoa were searched for by mechanical extraction technique shredding the biopsy fractions. In cases with no spermatozoa was observed after maximum 30 min of initial searching under the inverted microscope, the procedure was then followed by enzymatic digestion using DNAse and collagenase type IV. In cases of at least a mature spermatozoon could be obtained properly, ICSI was performed. RESULTS Of 177 cases with NOA, conventional mincing method extended with enzymatic treatment yielded successful sperm recovery for ICSI in 102 (57%). Overall in vitro tissue-processing time for patients with sperm recovery failure after 30 min of mechanical searching, was between 80 and 105 min (mean 96+/-9). Cleavage, embryo transfer and clinical pregnancy rates in mechanical plus enzymatic TESE patients were not significantly different from those of only mechanically TESE performed patients (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Combination of conventional TESE and enzymatic digestion is an effective method to recover spermatozoa suitable for ICSI. The benefit of the mincing combined with enzyme to sperm retrieval for NOA is firstly to shorten the mechanical searching time, thus minimizing further cellular damage as well as exposure to external conditions, and secondly to reduce the number of cases with sperm recovery failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Aydos
- Research Center on Infertility, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey.
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Morrell JM, Moffatt O, Sakkas D, Manicardi GC, Bizzaro D, Tomlinson M, Nilsson H, Holmes PV. Reduced senescence and retained nuclear DNA integrity in human spermatozoa prepared by density gradient centrifugation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2004; 21:217-22. [PMID: 15526977 PMCID: PMC3455231 DOI: 10.1023/b:jarg.0000040237.47026.0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether removal of extraneous cells and immotile spermatozoa from a sperm preparation by density gradient centrifugation could help to maintain normal spermatozoa in a viable state and retain their deoxyribonucleic acid integrity. METHODS Sperm motility was assessed on a daily basis in aliquots of neat semen, extended semen, and spermatozoa prepared on a PureSperm density gradient. At the same time, aliquots of each sperm sample were preserved for TUNEL assay and nick translation. RESULTS Spermatozoa prepared using density gradient centrifugation survived three times as long as spermatozoa in neat semen or in extended semen. Both deoxyribonucleic acid integrity and sperm motility were retained in the gradient preparations. CONCLUSIONS Preparing spermatozoa by density gradient centrifugation is advantageous in prolonging sperm survival and maintaining deoxyribonucleic acid integrity, presumably by removing sources of reactive oxygen species. Stored spermatozoa could be used for a second attempt at fertilization if oocyte immaturity was suspected.
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50
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Sills ES, Wittkowski KM, Tucker MJ, Perloe M, Kaplan CR, Palermo GD. Comparison of centrifugation- and noncentrifugation-based techniques for recovery of motile human sperm in assisted reproduction. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 2002; 48:141-5. [PMID: 11868627 DOI: 10.1080/014850102317267454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
To compare standard density gradient centrifugation sperm preparation with a novel non-centrifugation-based dual-chamber capillary dish in efficiency for motile human sperm separation, approximately 3 mL fresh ejaculate specimens was obtained from 21 men (median age = 32 years. range 26-42 years) undergoing infertility evaluation. For each specimen, half of the sample was processed with a standard 45%/90% density gradient preparation (PureSperm. Nidacon International, Gothenburg, Sweden) followed by semen analysis. The other half was incubated in the Zech glass capillary dish (Astromedtec, Salzburg, Austria) consisting of 2 concentric wells overlaid by a U-ring and coverglass. After approximately 3 h, a 1-mL sample was taken from the central chamber and analyzed. Percentage motile sperm recovery, absolute (motile) cell number, and path velocities were compared for spermatozoa obtained from both methods. Both techniques reduced overall sperm concentration while enriching specimens with more motile spermatozoa. A trend towards higher % recovery of motile spermatozoa (p = .264) was observed with the Zech device, but at a cost of fewer absolute numbers of higher velocity cells (p = .004). The Zech device, therefore, localized a very small population of motile sperm without exposure to centrifugation stress, which has been considered potentially harmful to spermatozoa. This technique could theoretically improve efficiency by reducing time required to identify motile cells in in vitro fertilization where intracytoplasmic sperm injection is planned. However, refinements in incubation interval and suspension volumes are needed before this technique can be considered comparable to the density gradient method in recovering sperm for use in intrauterine insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Sills
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Atlanta Medical Center, Georgia, USA.
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