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Zhang LX, Mao J, Zhou YD, Mao GY, Guo RF, Ge HS, Chen X. Evaluation of microRNA expression profiles in human sperm frozen using permeable cryoprotectant-free droplet vitrification and conventional methods. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:366-376. [PMID: 38738948 PMCID: PMC11280198 DOI: 10.4103/aja202390] [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: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
For sperm cryopreservation, the conventional method, which requires glycerol, has been used for a long time. In addition, the permeable cryoprotectant-free vitrification method has been continuously studied. Although the differences of cryopreservation effects between the two methods have being studied, differences in microRNA (miRNA) profiles between them remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the differences in miRNA expression profiles among conventional freezing sperm, droplet vitrification freezing sperm and fresh human sperm. We also analyzed the differences between these methods in terms of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) related to early embryonic development and paternal epigenetics. Our results showed no significant differences between the cryopreservation methods in terms of sperm motility ratio, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome integrity, and ultrastructural damage. However, sperm miRNA-sequencing showed differences between the two methods in terms of the numbers of DEmiRs (28 and 19 with vitrification using a nonpermeable cryoprotectant and the conventional method, respectively) in postthaw and fresh sperm specimens. DEmiRs related to early embryonic development and paternal epigenetics mainly included common DEmiRs between the groups. Our results showed that the differences between conventional freezing and droplet vitrification were minimal in terms of miRNA expression related to embryonic development and epigenetics. Changes in sperm miRNA expression due to freezing are not always detrimental to embryonic development. This study compared differences in miRNA expression profiles before and after cryopreservation between cryopreservation by conventional and vitrification methods. It offers a new perspective to evaluate various methods of sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Jing Mao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Yan-Dong Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Guang-Yao Mao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Run-Fa Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Hong-Shan Ge
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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2
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Podgrajsek R, Bolha L, Pungert T, Pizem J, Jazbec K, Malicev E, Stimpfel M. Effects of Slow Freezing and Vitrification of Human Semen on Post-Thaw Semen Quality and miRNA Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4157. [PMID: 38673743 PMCID: PMC11050687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation has played an important role in medically assisted reproduction for decades. In addition to preserving male fertility, it is sometimes used for overcoming logistical issues. Despite its proven clinical usability and safety, there is a lack of knowledge of how it affects spermatozoa at the molecular level, especially in terms of non-coding RNAs. Therefore, we conducted this study, where we compared slow freezing and vitrification of good- and poor-quality human semen samples by analyzing conventional sperm quality parameters, performing functional tests and analyzing the expression of miRNAs. The results revealed that cryopreservation of normozoospermic samples does not alter the maturity of spermatozoa (protamine staining, hyaluronan binding), although cryopreservation can increase sperm DNA fragmentation and lower motility. On a molecular level, we revealed that in both types of cryopreservation, miRNAs from spermatozoa are significantly overexpressed compared to those in the native semen of normozoospermic patients, but in oligozoospermic samples, this effect is observed only after vitrification. Moreover, we show that expression of selected miRNAs is mostly overexpressed in native oligozoospermic samples compared to normozoospermic samples. Conversely, when vitrified normozoospermic and oligozoospermic samples were compared, we determined that only miR-99b-5p was significantly overexpressed in oligozoospermic sperm samples, and when comparing slow freezing, only miR-15b-5p and miR-34b-3p were significantly under-expressed in oligozoospermic sperm samples. Therefore, our results imply that cryopreservation of normozoospermic sperm samples can modulate miRNA expression profiles in spermatozoa to become comparable to those in oligozoospermic samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Podgrajsek
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.P.)
| | - Luka Bolha
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Tjasa Pungert
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.P.)
| | - Joze Pizem
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Katerina Jazbec
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Slajmerjeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.J.); (E.M.)
| | - Elvira Malicev
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Slajmerjeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.J.); (E.M.)
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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3
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Li CY, Liu J, Zheng QY, Liu N, Huang XL, Wu YY, Yao XF, Tan QY, Huang Y, Hu CH, Xu CL. The effect of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-tempo during sperm ultra-rapid freezing. Cryobiology 2024; 114:104860. [PMID: 38340888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104860] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
During the freeze-thaw process, human spermatozoa are susceptible to oxidative stress, which may cause cryodamage and reduce sperm quality. As a novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, Mito-tempo has been used for sperm cryopreservation. However, it is currently unknown what role it will play in the process of sperm ultra-rapid freezing. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Mito-tempo can improve sperm quality during ultra-rapid freezing. In this study, samples with the addition of Mito-tempo (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μM) to sperm freezing medium were selected to evaluate the changes in sperm quality, antioxidant capacity and ultrastructure after ultra-rapid freezing. After ultra-rapid freezing, the quality and antioxidant function of the spermatozoa were significantly reduced and the spermatozoa ultrastructure was destroyed. The addition of 10 μM Mito-tempo significantly increased post thaw sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.05). Moreover, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI), ROS levels and MDA content were reduced, and the antioxidant enzyme (CAT and SOD) activities were enhanced in the 10 μM Mito-tempo group (P < 0.05). Moreover, Mito-tempo protected sperm ultrastructure from damage. In conclusion, Mito-tempo improved the quality and antioxidant function of sperm after ultra-rapid freezing while reducing freezing-induced ultrastructural damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yuan Li
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Juan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | - Qi-Yuan Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | - Nian Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | - Xi-Ling Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | - Yu-Yin Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | | | - Qing-Ying Tan
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Ying Huang
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Chuan-Huo Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China.
| | - Chang-Long Xu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, China.
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Serrano Albal M, Aquilina MC, Zak LJ, Ellis PJ, Griffin DK. Successful recovery of motile and viable boar sperm after vitrification with different methods (pearls and mini straws) using sucrose as a cryoprotectant. Cryobiology 2023; 113:104583. [PMID: 37659575 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.104583] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Vitrification of sperm by direct contact with liquid nitrogen is increasing in popularity as an alternative to conventional (slow) freezing. Although slow freezing is very challenging in boar sperm cryopreservation, this is currently the standard method used. We compared vitrification in "pearls" and in "mini straws" using the in vitro fertilization media Porcine Gamete Media with 0.3 M sucrose with the standard (slow) method used to preserve boar sperm. Both vitrification methods reduced the viability of the sperm sample more than slow freezing (42.2 ± 4.3% total motility and 71.4 ± 2.3% alive), however, both protocols allowed for the successful recovery of the sperm samples. By comparing two different methods of vitrification and two different methods of post-thaw preparation we were able to determine the optimal vitrification-thaw protocol for boar sperm. When comparing pearls and mini-straws, the smaller liquid volume associated with pearls had a positive effect on the survivability of the samples, reducing sperm DNA damage (1.2 ± 0.2% vs. 5.1 ± 0.1.7%) and preserving motility (26.15 ± 2.8% vs 9.39 ± 0.9%) after thawing. In conclusion, the pearl method was the most suitable of the vitrification techniques for use with boar sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Louisa J Zak
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center, Beuningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J Ellis
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Darren K Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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5
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Antonouli S, Di Nisio V, Messini C, Daponte A, Rajender S, Anifandis G. A comprehensive review and update on human fertility cryopreservation methods and tools. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1151254. [PMID: 37143497 PMCID: PMC10151698 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1151254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The broad conceptualization of fertility preservation and restoration has become already a major concern in the modern western world since a large number of individuals often face it in the everyday life. Driven by different health conditions and/or social reasons, a variety of patients currently rely on routinely and non-routinely applied assisted reproductive technologies, and mostly on the possibility to cryopreserve gametes and/or gonadal tissues for expanding their reproductive lifespan. This review embraces the data present in human-focused literature regarding the up-to-date methodologies and tools contemporarily applied in IVF laboratories' clinical setting of the oocyte, sperm, and embryo cryopreservation and explores the latest news and issues related to the optimization of methods used in ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
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6
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Torra-Massana M, Vassena R, Rodríguez A. Sperm cryopreservation does not affect live birth rate in normozoospermic men: analysis of 7969 oocyte donation cycles. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:400-407. [PMID: 36661036 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does sperm cryopreservation influence the reproductive outcomes of normozoospermic patients in oocyte donation cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER After controlling for confounders, the use of cryopreserved semen from normozoospermic patients does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates after elective ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm cryopreservation by slow freezing is a common practice in ART. While frozen-thawed semen typically presents reduced motility and vitality, its use for ICSI is generally considered adequate in terms of reproductive outcomes. Nevertheless, most studies comparing reproductive outcomes between fresh and cryopreserved sperm include patients with severe male factor (testicular sperm, oligo-, and/or asthenozoospermia) or women of advanced maternal age, where the altered quality of the gametes can partially mask the full effect of freezing/thawing. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study included a retrospective cohort of 7969 couples undergoing their first oocyte donation cycle between January 2013 and December 2019 in one large clinic, using normozoospermic semen from the male partner. All cycles involved elective ICSI, fresh oocytes, and a fresh embryo transfer, either at cleavage or blastocyst stage. Two study groups were established based on the sperm status: fresh (n = 2865) and cryopreserved (n = 5104). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A slow freezing protocol was used for all sperm cryopreservation. Sperm washing, capacitation, and selection prior to ICSI were performed identically for fresh and frozen-thawed samples, using pellet swim-up. Fertilization rate (FR), pregnancy (biochemical and ongoing), and live birth rates were compared between study groups using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Male and female age, sperm concentration and motility after ejaculation, and number of oocytes inseminated were similar between cycles using fresh or cryopreserved sperm. Analysis by Student's t-test did not indicate a significant difference in FR between fresh and cryopreserved sperm (P = 0.0591); however, after adjusting for confounders, this difference reached statistical significance: 74.65% FR for fresh (CI 95%: 73.92-75.38) versus 73.66% for cryopreserved sperm (CI 95%: 73.11-74.20), P = 0.0334. The adjusted regression analysis revealed higher odds of biochemical pregnancy when using fresh sperm (odds ratio (OR): 1.143, P = 0.0175), but no significant effects of sperm cryopreservation were observed for ongoing pregnancy (OR: 1.101, P = 0.0983) and live birth (OR: 1.082, P = 0.1805). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Caution should be exerted when extrapolating these results to different protocols for sperm cryopreservation and selection, or to IVM, advanced maternal age and classical IVF cycles, which were excluded from analysis. Owing to the retrospective nature of the study, some uncontrolled for variables may affect the results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Sperm cryopreservation does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates in normozoospermic patients, and although it may lower FR s slightly, this would not be clinically relevant. In line with previous studies that included patients with an apparent male or female factor, sperm cryopreservation is a safe and convenient technique. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study received no external funding and all authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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7
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Cryopreservation of Human Spermatozoa: Functional, Molecular and Clinical Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054656. [PMID: 36902084 PMCID: PMC10002855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is an expanding strategy to allow not only fertility preservation for individuals who need such procedures because of gonadotoxic treatments, active duty in dangerous occupations or social reasons and gamete donation for couples where conception is denied, but also for animal breeding and preservation of endangered animal species. Despite the improvement in semen cryopreservation techniques and the worldwide expansion of semen banks, damage to spermatozoa and the consequent impairment of its functions still remain unsolved problems, conditioning the choice of the technique in assisted reproduction procedures. Although many studies have attempted to find solutions to limit sperm damage following cryopreservation and identify possible markers of damage susceptibility, active research in this field is still required in order to optimize the process. Here, we review the available evidence regarding structural, molecular and functional damage occurring in cryopreserved human spermatozoa and the possible strategies to prevent it and optimize the procedures. Finally, we review the results on assisted reproduction technique (ARTs) outcomes following the use of cryopreserved spermatozoa.
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8
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Zheng QY, Lu QF, Liu J, Liu N, Huang XL, Huang F, Hu CH, Xu CL. Effect of MnTBAP on sperm ultra-rapid freezing and its proteomics study. Cryobiology 2023:S0011-2240(23)00004-4. [PMID: 36642193 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
MnTBAP is a new synthetic antioxidant that has been used for the cryopreservation of sperm. However, the exact mechanism of its cryoprotection at the molecular level is largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, normal human semen samples were selected and MnTBAP (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 μM) was added to sperm freezing medium to assess changes in kinetics parameters, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) after sperm ultra-rapid freezing. The tandem masstagging (TMT) proteomics technique was used to further investigate the changes in proteins after sperm ultra-rapid freezing. The kinetic parameters of sperm after ultra-rapid freezing and thawing were significantly reduced and apoptosis, ROS production and DFI were significantly increased. The addition of 40 μM MnTBAP improved the kinetic parameters, while it reduced apoptosis, ROS production, and DFI of sperm after ultra-rapid freezing and thawing (P < 0.05). Compared with the fresh semen, 1978 differential proteins were identified in the frozen-thawed sperm without MnTBAP and 1888 differential proteins were identified in the frozen-thawed sperm with MnTBAP (40 μM) added. The proteins affected during ultra-rapid freezing were mainly related to sperm metabolism, flagellar structure motility, apoptosis, intracellular signaling, capacitation and fertilization, while the addition of MnTBAP reduced the alterations of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yuan Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qing-Fang Lu
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Juan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Nian Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xi-Ling Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Fang Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Chuan-Huo Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
| | - Chang-Long Xu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, China.
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9
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Chen H, Zhang L, Meng L, Liang L, Zhang C. Advantages of vitrification preservation in assisted reproduction and potential influences on imprinted genes. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 36324168 PMCID: PMC9632035 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01355-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation has important application in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The vitrification technique has been widely used in the cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, as a large number of clinical results and experimental studies have shown that vitrification can achieve a higher cell survival rate and preimplantation development rate and better pregnancy outcomes. Ovarian tissue vitrification is an alternative method to slow freezing that causes comparatively less damage to the original follicular DNA. At present, sperm preservation mainly adopts slow freezing or rapid freezing (LN2 vapor method), although the vitrification method can achieve higher sperm motility after warming. However, due to the use of high-concentration cryoprotectants and ultra-rapid cooling, vitrification may cause strong stress to gametes, embryos and tissue cells, resulting in potentially adverse effects. Imprinted genes are regulated by epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, and show single allele expression. Their accurate regulation and correct expression are very important for the placenta, fetal development and offspring health. Considering that genome imprinting is very sensitive to changes in the external environment, we comprehensively summarized the effect of cryopreservation—especially the vitrification method in ART—on imprinted genes. Animal studies have found that the vitrification of oocytes and embryos can have a significant impact on some imprinted genes and DNA methylation, but the few studies in humans have reported almost no influence, which need to be further explored. This review provides useful information for the safety assessment and further optimization of the current cryopreservation techniques in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Li Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Linlin Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
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10
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Advances in sperm cryopreservation in farm animals: Cattle, horse, pig and sheep. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106904. [PMID: 34887155 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is one of the most important procedures in the development of biotechnologies for assisted reproduction. In some farm animals, the use of cryopreserved sperm has so many benefits for which relevance has become more evident in recent decades. Values for post-thaw sperm quality, however, are variable among species and within individuals of the same species. There is no standardized methodology for each of the stages of the cryopreservation procedure (andrological examination, semen collection, dilution, centrifugation, resuspension of the pellet with the freezing medium, packaging, freezing and post-thaw sperm evaluation), which also contributes to differences among studies. Cryotolerance markers of sperm and seminal plasma (SP) have been evaluated for prediction of ejaculate freezability. In addition, in previous research, there has been a focus on supplementing cryopreservation media with different substances, such as enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. In most studies, inclusion of these substances have led to improved post-thaw sperm quality and fertilizing capacity as a result of minimizing the adverse effects on sperm structure and function. Another approach is the use of different cryoprotectants. The aim with this review article is to provide an update on sperm cryopreservation in farm animals. The main detrimental effects of cryopreservation are described, including the negative repercussion on reproductive performance. Furthermore, the potential use of molecular biomarkers to predict sperm cryotolerance is discussed, as well as the addition of substances that can mitigate the harmful impact of freezing and thawing on sperm.
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11
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Arciero V, Ammar O, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Muratori M, Dabizzi S. Vapour fast freezing with low semen volumes can highly improve motility and viability or DNA quality of cryopreserved human spermatozoa. Andrology 2022; 10:1123-1133. [PMID: 35712876 PMCID: PMC9544568 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To challenge a vapour fast freezing (VFF) cryopreservation procedure (conventional VFF) with several vitrification protocols and VFF conducted with small semen volumes (10 μl, microVFF), in order to implement a procedure for sperm banking in subjects with small sperm number. Materials and methods Conventional VFF was conducted with test yolk buffer (TYB) as freezing medium and 500 μl straws as carriers. MicroVFF was conducted with TYB and using tips or cell sleepers as carriers. Vitrification was performed with TYB or SpermFreeze as freezing medium and with microspheres and tips as carriers. The effect of different procedures on progressive and total motility, viability, oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa (sDF) was determined. Fresh and thawed samples, the latter after adequate washing/centrifuging, were evaluated. In some experiments, motility and viability recovery was determined in thawed samples, omitting the washing/centrifuging step. Results All the cryopreservation procedures blunted sperm motility and viability and induced increase of oxidative stress and sDF. However, VFF better preserved sperm motility and viability and less induced oxidative stress and sDF than vitrification, independently from the freezing medium and the carriers used in the latter. MicroVFF with cell sleepers resulted in a percentage increase of 57.58 ± 63.63%, 48.82 ± 74.96% and 24.55 ± 39.20% of, respectively, progressive and total motility and viability compared to the conventional VFF. Further, when tips were used, microVFF resulted in a percentage decrease of 15.77 ± 20.77% of sDF with respect to conventional VFF. Finally, omission of washing/centrifuging in post thawed samples, resulted in a much lower negative effect on motility and viability. Discussion and conclusion VFF, and in particular microVFF, better prevents sperm cryodamage than vitrification. Washing/centrifuging step after sample thawing seems to be responsible for a relevant fraction of damage to sperm motility and viability. Overall, our results are promising for developing a novel strategy of sperm banking in subjects with small sperm number, where low semen volumes are mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Arciero
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Oumaima Ammar
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi Hospital, Italy
| | - Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Dabizzi
- Department of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi Hospital, Italy
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12
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Huanhuan Hu, Ji G, Shi X, Zhang J, Li M. Current Status of Male Fertility Preservation in Humans. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422020060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Male infertility is responsible for 50% of men's health problems and has always been a concern for personal and social issues. A survey of global statistics suggests an increase in infertility rate as one of the critical issues documented in studies. There are different ways of maintaining fertility in men, depending on their age. In this paper, we review the preservation methods used for fertility treatment in Iran and other countries. Available data were reviewed from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IranMedex, MEDLIB, IranDoc and Scientific Information Database and searched for articles published up to 2018, using the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms for cryopreservation, sperm, testicular, spermatogonia stem cell, male infertility and/or Iranian and in the world, to provide evidence from evaluation of fertility preservation the methods. Based the search strategy, 274 manuscripts were found. After reviewing the titles, abstracts and manuscripts in their entirety, 119 articles were obtained and selected according to the eligibility criteria. The 85 studies mentioned above were divided into three categories (sperm, testis, and spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs)), and methods of fertility preservation were investigated. Ways to maintain male fertility were different depending on age, and included sperm, testicular, and SSC freezing. The number of studies on testicular tissue and SSCs was low for human samples, and more studies are still needed. Sperm freezing at infertility centres is the top for male fertility preservation.
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14
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Cryopreservation of Gametes and Embryos and Their Molecular Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910864. [PMID: 34639209 PMCID: PMC8509660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of freezing cells or tissues and depositing them in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C is called cryopreservation. Sub-zero temperature is not a physiological condition for cells and water ice crystals represent the main problem since they induce cell death, principally in large cells like oocytes, which have a meiotic spindle that degenerates during this process. Significantly, cryopreservation represents an option for fertility preservation in patients who develop gonadal failure for any condition and those who want to freeze their germ cells for later use. The possibility of freezing sperm, oocytes, and embryos has been available for a long time, and in 1983 the first birth with thawed oocytes was achieved. From the mid-2000s forward, the use of egg vitrification through intracytoplasmic sperm injection has improved pregnancy rates. Births using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have some adverse conditions and events. These risks could be associated with ART procedures or related to infertility. Cryopreservation generates changes in the epigenome of gametes and embryos, given that ART occurs when the epigenome is most vulnerable. Furthermore, cryoprotective agents induce alterations in the integrity of germ cells and embryos. Notably, cryopreservation extensively affects cell viability, generates proteomic profile changes, compromises crucial cellular functions, and alters sperm motility. This technique has been widely employed since the 1980s and there is a lack of knowledge about molecular changes. The emerging view is that molecular changes are associated with cryopreservation, affecting metabolism, cytoarchitecture, calcium homeostasis, epigenetic state, and cell survival, which compromise the fertilization in ART.
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15
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Bossi RDL, Cabral M, Oliveira M, Lopes S, Hurtado R, Sampaio M, Geber S. Ultrastructural analysis of Lyophilized Human Spermatozoa. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:473-479. [PMID: 34286941 PMCID: PMC8312306 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20210028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Lyophilization is potentially more practical and cost-effective alternative for sperm preservation. However, there are no studies that evaluate the ultrastructure of human spermatozoa after lyophilization. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the ultrasctructure of lyophilized spermatozoa using Transmission Electron Microscopy. Methods: From a total of 21 donated seminal samples, 30 aliquots were originated and divided into two aliquots so that one could have been submitted to cryopreservation/thaw and the other for lyophilization/rehydration. The liquefied aliquots were homogenized at room temperature. Samples assigned for cryopreservation were placed in straws and samples assigned for lyophilization were placed in the appropriate vials. Cryopreservation samples were placed at -30oC for 30 minutes subsequently for 30 minutes at vapour phase and then plunged into liquid nitrogen. Lately, were warmed in water bath at 37oC for 10 minutes followed by 10 minutes centrifugation. The pellet was resuspended and analysed in a Makler chamber. The semen vials assigned for lyophilization were loaded into a pre-fixed freeze-drying chamber. Following lyophilization, vials were removed from the freeze-drying chamber and kept at 4oC until rehydration. TEM was performed after rehydration and thawing. Sperm samples were fixed, rinsed in buffer, post fixed and dehydration was carried out in escalating concentrations of alcohol solution, acetone and then, embedding in Epon resin. Ultrathin sections were stained and examined in a Transmission Electron Microscope. Results: Analysis of sperm after freezing/thawing using Transmission Electron Microscopy showed lesions to the midpiece, with some mitochondria degeneration and random rupture of plasma membrane. In the head, we identified intact plasma membrane, nucleus and acrosome, as in the flagellum all main structures remained intact including the plasma membrane, the longitudinal columns of dense fibers and the semicircular fibers. Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy showed that spermatozoa heads had ruptured plasma membranes, absence of acrosomes, nuclei with heterogeneous and decompressed chromatin. Mitochondria were deteriorated in the midpiece. Longitudinal columns of dense fibers were absent in the flagellum. Axonemes, in cross-sections, were disrupted with disorganized structures. Conclusions: To our knowledge, our study demonstrated, for the first time, the structure of the human spermatozoa after lyophilization using Transmission Electron Microscopy. The use of a fixed lyophilization protocol with media containing cryoprotectants might explain the damage to the structures. More studies are necessary to improve the results of sperm lyophilization. In the future, the use of lyophilization of spermatozoa might reduce the costs of fertility preservation, since there will be no need for storage space and transportation is simpler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata de Lima Bossi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Cabral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Monica Oliveira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sávia Lopes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Hurtado
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Sampaio
- ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Selmo Geber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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16
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Diaz-Jimenez M, Wang M, Wang W, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Kumar P, Mallmann P, von Brandenstein M, Hidalgo M, Isachenko V. Cryo-banking of human spermatozoa by aseptic cryoprotectants-free vitrification in liquid air: Positive effect of elevated warming temperature. Cell Tissue Bank 2021; 23:17-29. [PMID: 33608835 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-021-09904-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cryoprotectant-free vitrification is a common method for spermatozoa cryopreservation by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen. However, the commercial liquid nitrogen could be potentially contaminated by microorganisms. Warming temperature plays an essential role for quality of human spermatozoa after vitrification. This study aimed to evaluate comparatively a quality spermatozoa after vitrification in liquid nitrogen and clean liquid air as well as with two warming rates: at 42 °C and 45 °C. After performing of routine swim-up of normozoospermia samples, spermatozoa from the same ejaculate were divided into two groups: vitrified in liquid nitrogen (LN) and sterile liquid air (LA). Spermatozoa of LN group were warmed at 42 °C, and spermatozoa of LA groups were divided and warmed at 42 °C (LA42) and 45 °C (LA45). Then spermatozoa motility, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and viability were assessed. It was no found significant differences in quality of spermatozoa from LN and LA groups in the motility, ROS, MMP, RNS rates after warming at 42 °C. A tendency to obtain better spermatozoa quality was found with using of warming by 42 °C in comparison with 45 °C. It was concluded that cryoprotectant-free vitrification by direct dropping of human spermatozoa into clean liquid air can be used as an alternative to cooling in liquid nitrogen. Warming of spermatozoa at 42 °C allows to preserve the spermatozoa physiological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Diaz-Jimenez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany.,Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine Surgery, University of Cordoba, 14071, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Mengying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wanxue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Melanie von Brandenstein
- University Clinic for Urology and Urological Oncology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine Surgery, University of Cordoba, 14071, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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17
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Coria-Gómez CR, Torres-Rodríguez P, Villar-Muñoz LG, Jiménez-Medina I, Agarwal A, Henkel R, Maldonado-Rosas I, L Treviño C. Comparative study of fertility parameters in vitrified human spermatozoa in the presence or absence of EmbryORP ® : A novel antioxidant. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13886. [PMID: 33550605 DOI: 10.1111/and.13886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatozoa has the main purpose of preserving male fertility. However, current preservation techniques have shown to produce lesions in the structure and alter sperm functions, probably due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cryopreservation. To overcome the damage provoked by ROS, we introduced a novel antioxidant called EmbryORP® in a vitrification protocol and compared eight fertility parameters: motility, viability, morphology, concentration, the semen pH, the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), the spontaneous acrosomal reaction (AR) and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), in the presence or absence of EmbryORP® . We analysed 20 samples from healthy human sperm donors and observed that the antioxidant significantly decreased the semen pH as well as the MMP and the ORP affecting the balance of ROS. The antioxidant also lowered the motility and viability of the cells, but preserved the acrosome and sperm morphology in general. We concluded that EmbryORP® lowered the ORP, but to a suboptimal level that may be harmful to spermatozoa. Despite these results, our work opens new perspectives on how to improve cryopreservation media. Therefore, we recommend exploring the EmbryORP® potential benefit by reducing its concentration or changing the exposure time during the cryopreservation protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Rodrigo Coria-Gómez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Paulina Torres-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | | | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
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18
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Aseptic capillary vitrification of human spermatozoa: Cryoprotectant-free vs. cryoprotectant-included technologies. Cryobiology 2021; 99:95-102. [PMID: 33422478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The protocol of aseptic cryoprotectant-free vitrification on human spermatozoa is well documented. However, data about the effect of permeable cryoprotectants at this procedure is limited. Presented study aimed to test the aseptic capillary vitrification technologies using permeable cryoprotectant-included or cryoprotectant-free media. Thirty-two normal samples were included and analyzed after vitrification in three different media and thawing. Three treatment groups were formed: Group 1, basic medium; Group 2, basic medium with 0.25 M sucrose; Group 3, basic medium with glycerol. Before plunging into liquid nitrogen, capillaries were filled by 10 μl of spermatozoa suspension and isolated from liquid nitrogen by location in hermetically closed 0.25 ml straws. Progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity, total motility/viability after 24, 48 and 72 h in vitro culture, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were determined after thawing at 42 °C. Progressive motility of spermatozoa in groups 1, 2, 3 was 24.9 ± 1.7%, 34.5 ± 2.8% and 34.0 ± 1.4%, respectively (P1-2,3<0.05). The plasma membrane integrity of spermatozoa in groups 2 and 3 (48.4 ± 2.9% and 45.5 ± 3.9%, respectively) was higher than in Group 1 (33.3 ± 2.1%, P < 0.05). After 24 h, 48 h and 72 h in vitro culture, the total motility and viability of spermatozoa in Group 1 was significantly lower than Group 2 and Group 3. The apoptosis rate in Group 3 (44.5 ± 3.0%) and Group 2 (47.7 ± 4.1%) were lower than in Group 1 (52.5 ± 4.4%; P < 0.05). ΔΨm rates in Group 3 and Group 2 were higher than in Group 1 (P < 0.05) with no statistical differences between this parameter in Group 2 and Group 3 (P > 0.1). In conclusion, supplementation of medium for aseptic capillary technology for cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa by permeable cryoprotectant does not improve the quality of spermatozoa after warming.
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19
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Zhou D, Wang XM, Li RX, Wang YZ, Chao YC, Liu ZZ, Huang ZH, Nie HC, Zhu WB, Tan YQ, Fan LQ. Improving native human sperm freezing protection by using a modified vitrification method. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:91-96. [PMID: 32567578 PMCID: PMC7831840 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_29_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Slow freezing is the most commonly used technique for the cryopreservation of spermatozoa in clinical practice. However, it has been shown to have a negative impact on sperm function and structure. Vitrification as a successful alternative method has been proved to have better protective effects on human embryos, but vitrification of spermatozoa is still subject to low recovery rates. In this study, a modified vitrification method for native spermatozoa was developed. A total of 28 semen samples were included; each sample was divided into three equal parts and assigned to fresh, slow freezing, and vitrification groups. Sperm vitality, motility, morphology, DNA integrity, and acrosome reaction were assessed for each of the groups. The results showed that vitrification achieves better results for several sperm protection parameters than slow freezing; vitrification achieves a higher recovery rate (P < 0.05), motility (P < 0.05), morphology (P < 0.05), and curve line velocity (P < 0.05) than slow freezing. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation was decreased (P < 0.05) and better acrosome protection (P < 0.05) was exhibited in the spermatozoa after vitrification. Principal component analysis of all sperm parameters revealed that the vitrification cluster was closer to the fresh cluster, indicating that spermatozoa are better preserved through vitrification. In conclusion, while both slow freezing and vitrification have negative effects on sperm function and structure, the vitrification protocol described here had a relatively better recovery rate (65.8%) and showed improved preservation of several sperm quality parameters compared with slow freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Xing-Ming Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Rui-Xue Li
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yi-Ze Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yuan-Chi Chao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhi-Zhong Liu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.,Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zeng-Hui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Hong-Chuan Nie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Wen-Bing Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
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20
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Dynamic assessment of human sperm DNA damage III: the effect of sperm freezing techniques. Cell Tissue Bank 2020; 22:379-387. [DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09883-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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21
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Consuegra C, Crespo F, Dorado J, Diaz-Jimenez M, Pereira B, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Beltrán-Breña P, Pérez-Cerezales S, Rizos D, Hidalgo M. Fertilizing capacity of vitrified stallion sperm assessed utilizing heterologous IVF after different semen warming procedures. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 223:106627. [PMID: 33080568 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the fertilizing capacity of frozen or vitrified stallion sperm after assessing different warming procedures. In Experiment 1, different warming procedures were compared after sperm vitrification: immersion in extender at 43 °C (C), or in a water bath at 37 °C/30 s (W37), 43 °C/10 s (W43) or 60 °C/5 s (W60). With the W60 treatment, there were greater values (P < 0.05) for VCL (83.93 ± 3.6 μm/s) and ALH (3.00 ± 0.2 μm) than freezing and with the C group, and greater values (P < 0.001) for PM (35.33 ± 2.5 %) than with the W43 treatment. In Experiment 2, the fertilizing capacity of vitrified and frozen sperm was assessed utilizing heterologous IVF procedures, using cattle oocytes. Vitrification resulted in greater values (P < 0.05) than freezing for the number of bound sperm (1.36 ± 0.3 and 0.69 ± 0.2, respectively). There were no differences between frozen or vitrified sperm in pronuclear formation (26 hours post-insemination - hpi; 14.08 ± 4.2 % and 22.78 ± 4.8 %, respectively) or cleavage rate (32.77 ± 4.3 % and 39.66 ± 4.6 %, respectively). In conclusion, vitrified stallion sperm warmed in a water bath at 60 ºC had the capacity to penetrate cattle oocytes, leading to pronuclear formation and hybrid embryo cleavage after heterologous IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - F Crespo
- Department of Reproduction, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (CCFAS-Ministry of Defense), Ávila, Spain
| | - J Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - B Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M J Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, SGIT-INIA, Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - D Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, SGIT-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
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22
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Comparison of rapid freezing versus vitrification for human sperm cryopreservation using sucrose in closed straw systems. Cell Tissue Bank 2020; 21:667-673. [PMID: 32870439 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09860-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Rapid freezing and vitrification using sucrose are two simple and cost-effective sperm cryopreservation methods. However, it is still unclear which method is better and what the optimal concentration of sucrose is. This study aimed to determine the optimal sucrose concentration for human sperm cryopreservation and compare the cryoprotective effects of rapid freezing versus vitrification using different closed straw systems in terms of sperm motility and DNA integrity. Our data showed that: (1) The optimal sucrose concentration for vitrification was 0.25 mol/l among the tested 0, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mol/l concentrations; (2) Sperm total motility and progressive motility were cryopreserved significantly better by rapid freezing than vitrification in standard 0.5 ml cryostraws (P < 0.05); and (3) Sperm total motility and progressive motility were cryopreserved significantly better by vitrification in the straw-in-straw system than rapid freezing in the standard 0.5 cryostraw (P < 0.05), but no difference was found in sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation level between the two cryopreservation methods (P > 0.05). It was concluded that sucrose at 0.25 mol/l concentration is suitable for human sperm rapid freezing and vitrification, and sperm cryopreservation can be achieved by rapid freezing using closed standard 0.5 ml straws or by vitrification using the novel straw-in-straw system made of standard 0.25 and 0.5 ml straws.
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Schulz M, Risopatrón J, Uribe P, Isachenko E, Isachenko V, Sánchez R. Human sperm vitrification: A scientific report. Andrology 2020; 8:1642-1650. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Schulz
- Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine‐Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Department of Preclinical Science Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Jennie Risopatrón
- Department of Basic Science Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine‐Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Department of Internal Medicine Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine and Molecular Endocrinology Center of Translational Medicine‐Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT‐BIOREN) Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Department of Preclinical Science Faculty of Medicine Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
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Khodamoradi K, Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, Khosravizadeh Z, Ali A, Brackett N, Ibrahim E, Ramasamy R. Laboratory and clinical management of leukocytospermia and hematospermia: a review. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2020; 14:2633494120922511. [PMID: 32577619 PMCID: PMC7290265 DOI: 10.1177/2633494120922511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocytospermia and hematospermia are defined as the presence of abnormally high white blood cell and red blood cell concentration in the semen, respectively. Numerous etiologies and various implications on fertility have been identified. In a small proportion of men, the presence of white blood cells or red blood cells can adversely affect sperm quality by the production of reactive oxygen species. Several methods have been used to assess the presence of white blood cells and red blood cells in samples, such as identification of round cells, immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies, the Endtz test, the peroxidase test, and flow cytometry or microscopy. In addition, techniques have been identified to separate sperm samples from white blood cells and red blood cells for cryopreservation to improve outcomes in assisted reproductive technology. In this review, laboratory and clinical management of leukocytospermia and hematospermia are discussed. Currently available diagnostic methods and treatment options are outlined, and available optimal cryopreservation techniques for samples with white blood cells or red blood cells are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Khodamoradi
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manish Kuchakulla
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manish Narasimman
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zahra Khosravizadeh
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aleena Ali
- Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Nancy Brackett
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Emad Ibrahim
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite 1563, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Vitrification Using Soy Lecithin and Sucrose: A New Way to Store the Sperm for the Preservation of Canine Reproductive Function. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040653. [PMID: 32283781 PMCID: PMC7222707 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A challenge in freezing semen for short and long-term availability is avoiding damage to intact spermatozoa caused by the freezing process. Vitrification protocols provide better results through less manipulation of semen and shorter freezing time compared to slow freezing techniques. Our research was aimed at improving vitrification methods for canine semen. Semen quality was determined in 20 ejaculates after collection. Each ejaculate was divided into eight aliquots, each with a different extender. The control extender contained TRIS, citric acid, fructose, and antibiotics. Soy lecithin and sucrose were added to the control extender at different concentrations to make up the test extenders and final concentration of 50 × 106 spermatozoa/mL. From each group, a 33µL (1.65 × 106 spermatozoa) suspension of spermatozoa was dropped directly into liquid nitrogen and devitrified at least one week later and evaluated as before. Soy lecithin at 1% and 0.25 M sucrose added to the base vitrification media effectively preserved all sperm qualities. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of our methods. Vitrification media containing sucrose and soy lecithin cause a minimal decline in quality of canine semen after devitrification. Furthermore, extenders used in our research did not contain egg yolk, which was replaced by soy lecithin, thus allowing for ease of shipping to other countries with strict requirements.
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26
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Ultrastructural and Functional Characteristics of Human Spermatozoa After Cryopreservation by Vitrification. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.15407/cryo30.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Tao Y, Sanger E, Saewu A, Leveille MC. Human sperm vitrification: the state of the art. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:17. [PMID: 32145746 PMCID: PMC7060631 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00580-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and has resulted in millions of live births. Two principal approaches have been adopted: conventional (slow) freezing and vitrification. As a traditional technique, slow freezing has been successfully employed and widely used at ART clinics whereas the latter, a process to solidify liquid into an amorphous or glassy state, may become a faster alternative method of sperm cryopreservation with significant benefits in regard to simple equipment and applicability to fertility centers. Sperm vitrification has its own limitations. Firstly, small volume of load is usually plunged to liquid nitrogen to achieve high cooling rate, which makes large volume sample cryopreservation less feasible. Secondly, direct contact with liquid nitrogen increases the potential risk of contamination. Recently, new carriers have been developed to facilitate improved control over the volume and speed, and new strategies have been implemented to minimize the contamination risk. In summary, although sperm vitrification has not yet been applied in routine sperm cryopreservation, its potential as a standard procedure is growing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Tao
- Ottawa Fertility Center, 100-955 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3V4 Canada
| | - Erika Sanger
- Ottawa Fertility Center, 100-955 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3V4 Canada
| | - Arpornrad Saewu
- Ottawa Fertility Center, 100-955 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3V4 Canada
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28
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Baldi E, Tamburrino L, Muratori M, Degl'Innocenti S, Marchiani S. Adverse effects of in vitro manipulation of spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106314. [PMID: 32089373 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Development of in vitro reproduction techniques has not only offered some infertile couples the possibility to have a child, it also revolutionized animal reproduction. Although in vitro reproduction techniques for humans or domestic and non-domestic animals have been designed to mimic in vivo conditions, modifications due to environmental effects or in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos are unavoidable. For male gametes, in vitro manipulations include techniques to select spermatozoa, cryopreservation and other incubation procedures, during which spermatozoa may be exposed to oxidative stress and other insults that may damage their functions and DNA. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of key studies reporting sperm damage during in vitro manipulation, with particular focus on effects on DNA integrity, a fundamental factor for fertilization and transmission of paternal genetic information to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Baldi
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Lara Tamburrino
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Monica Muratori
- Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Selene Degl'Innocenti
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
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Faramarzi A, Aghaz F, Bakhtiari M, Khazaei M. In vitro application of Ceratonia siliqua improved sperm parameters and chromatin quality after vitrifacation in normozoospermic aged men. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-019-0007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Vitrification is the main technique in the assisted reproductive technique (ART) labs. Sperm vitrification exposes sperm to damage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of Ceratonia siliqua (C. siliqua) application on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in normozoospermic aged men. Semen samples (n = 40) were collected from normozoospermic men over 45 years old. Each specimen was divided into four aliquots to form the subsequent groups: fresh (group I), vitrification without treatment (group II), vitrification with the medium supplemented by 20 μg/ml C. siliqua (group III), and vitrification with the thawing medium supplemented by 20 μg/ml C. siliqua (group IV). Sperm progressive motility, normal morphology and viability were assessed. Also, sperm chromatin quality was evaluated by aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) staining.
Results
Vitrification caused a significant decrease in sperm progressive motility, normal morphology and viability as well as chromatin quality compared to fresh samples (p < 0.05). Supplementation of vitrification/thawing medium with C. siliqua significantly improved sperm progressive motility, normal morphology, viability, and chromatin quality compared to vitrification without any supplementation (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The study showed that C. siliqua can improve the detrimental effect of vitrification on sperm parameters and chromatin quality of normozoospermic aged men.
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30
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Ice age: Cryopreservation in assisted reproduction – An update. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:119-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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31
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Consuegra C, Crespo F, Dorado J, Diaz-Jimenez M, Pereira B, Ortiz I, Hidalgo M. Vitrification of stallion sperm using 0.25 ml straws: Effect of volume, concentration and carbohydrates (sucrose/trehalose/raffinose). Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 206:69-77. [PMID: 31138492 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Sperm vitrification is a rapid freezing method in which carbohydrates are used as cryoprotectants. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal volume, concentration and type of carbohydrates for stallion sperm vitrification using 0.25 ml straws in comparison to conventional freezing. Ejaculates (n = 54) were collected from six stallions. For vitrification, straws were filled with different volumes (30, 70, 100 μl), sperm concentrations (50, 100, 200 × 106 sperm/ml) and extenders containing sucrose (20, 100, 200 mM), trehalose (50, 100, 200 mM) and raffinose (50, 100, 200 mM) and plunged into LN2. Conventional freezing was performed in 0.5 ml straws frozen in LN2 vapors. Sperm motility, plasma and acrosome membrane integrities and DNA fragmentation were compared among treatments. The use of straws filled with 100 μl at 100 × 106 sperm/ml with the extender containing 100 mM trehalose resulted in greater values for sperm quality than the other concentrations, volumes and carbohydrates. With vitrification, there were greater values (mean ± SEM; P < 0.05) than freezing for progressive motility (48.2 ± 2.3 compared with 37.3 ± 2.2%), plasma membrane integrity (82.8 ± 1.5 compared with 74.1 ± 1.9%), and intact acrosomes (50.2 ± 1.2 compared with 43.1 ± 1.4%); and less DNA fragmentation (6.4 ± 0.7 compared with 8.2 ± 0.3%). In conclusion, stallion sperm can be vitrified in 0.25 ml straws filled with 100 μl of sperm at 100 x 106 sperm/ml using an extender with 100 mM of trehalose, obtaining better sperm quality after warming than conventional freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - F Crespo
- Department of Reproduction, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (CCFAS-Ministry of Defense), Ávila, Spain
| | - J Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - B Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - I Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
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Lv C, Wu G, Hong Q, Quan G. Spermatozoa Cryopreservation: State of Art and Future in Small Ruminants. Biopreserv Biobank 2019; 17:171-182. [DOI: 10.1089/bio.2018.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunrong Lv
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Provincial Meat Caprine Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China
| | - Guoquan Wu
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Provincial Meat Caprine Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China
| | - Qionghua Hong
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Provincial Meat Caprine Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Provincial Meat Caprine Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China
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Medrano L, Enciso M, Gomez-Torres MJ, Aizpurua J. First birth of a healthy infant following intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection using a new permeable cryoprotectant-free sperm vitrification protocol. Cryobiology 2019; 87:117-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Le MT, Nguyen TTT, Nguyen TT, Nguyen VT, Nguyen TTA, Nguyen VQH, Cao NT. Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa by vitrification versus conventional rapid freezing: Effects on motility, viability, morphology and cellular defects. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 234:14-20. [PMID: 30640121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sperm cryopreservation has great potential for male infertility treatment as used in assisted reproduction technology (ART). There are a variety of cryopreservation methods in order to preserve sperm in a long term. Although conventional freezing and vitrification now are used widely, they have damage on sperm parameters as well as sperm DNA integrity. It is necessary to answer which method is better and appropriate for sperm cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of conventional freezing and vitrification regarding to motility, vitality and morphology of sperm found in washed and unwashed samples. STUDY DESIGN One hundred and five human fresh semen samples were divided into washed and unwashed halves using density-gradient centrifugation. Each group then was split into two aliquots: one cryopreserved by conventional freezing and the other by vitrification, using SpermFreeze Solution™ (Vitrolife, Västra Frölunda, Sweden) containing glycerol as a cryoprotectant. The sperm parameters were analyzed and compared between six groups: washed fresh (FW), unwashed fresh (FU), washed conventional freezing (CfW), unwashed conventional freezing (CfU), washed vitrification (VitW) and unwashed vitrification (VitU) samples. RESULTS Sperm progressive motility, vitality and normal morphology significantly decreased, together with an appreciable increase in sperm head, midpiece and tail defects when comparing to the fresh sperm parameters after thawing in all groups. In conventional freezing method groups, progressive motility and vitality were substantially higher than that in vitrification method groups. However, vitrification gave better results in normal morphology rates. Additionally, sperm head, midpiece and tail defects were significant lower in two vitrification groups in comparison with conventional freezing groups. Interestingly, washed groups had better sperm parameters than unwashed groups so that washing process before frozen seemed to improve sperm parameters. CONCLUSION Conventional freezing method resulted in better motility, viability in both washed/unwashed groups. On the contrary, spermatozoa undergoing vitrification were healthier regarding morphology with less defects than conventional freezing. Sperm washing before frozen was a beneficial preparation to sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Tam Le
- Department of OBGYN, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam; Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam.
| | - Thi Thai Thanh Nguyen
- Department of OBGYN, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam; Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Thanh Tung Nguyen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Van Trung Nguyen
- Department of OBGYN, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam; Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Tam An Nguyen
- Department of OBGYN, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam; Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Vu Quoc Huy Nguyen
- Department of OBGYN, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Thanh Cao
- Department of OBGYN, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam; Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue, Viet Nam
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Consuegra C, Crespo F, Dorado J, Diaz-Jimenez M, Pereira B, Ortiz I, Arenas R, Morrell JM, Hidalgo M. Vitrification of Large Volumes of Stallion Sperm in Comparison With Spheres and Conventional Freezing: Effect of Warming Procedures and Sperm Selection. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 83:102680. [PMID: 31791531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Stallion sperm was vitrified using straws in comparison with spheres and conventional freezing. Vitrification was performed plunging 30 μL of sperm (spheres) or 0.5 mL straws into liquid nitrogen (LN2) and conventional freezing using 0.5 mL straws frozen in LN2 vapors. Sperm vitrified in straws were submitted to different warming procedures (42°C/20 seconds; 60°C/15 seconds) and single-layer centrifugation (SLC). Total (TM, %) and progressive sperm motility (PM, %), plasma membrane (IMS, %) and acrosome integrity (AIS, %) were statistically compared between treatments (mean ± SEM). Significant higher values (P < .001) were obtained after vitrification using spheres in comparison with conventional freezing and vitrification in straws for TM (54.46 ± 3.2 vs. 36.47 ± 3.2 vs. 2.50 ± 1.2, %), PM (38.63 ± 3.4 vs. 15.11 ± 2.0 vs. 1.9 ± 0.9, %), IMS (65.40 ± 2.8 vs. 50.50 ± 2.8 vs. 21.63 ± 2.1, %), and AIS (48.89 ± 2.8 vs. 15.46 ± 1.7 vs. 4.69 ± 0.9, %). No differences were found between warming procedures. Single-layer centrifugation after warming at 42°C/20 seconds obtained higher values (P < .05) than unselected samples for TM (32.52 ± 5.8%), PM (14.22 ± 2.8%), IMS (60.01 ± 3.2%), and AIS (44.5 ± 2.2%), whereas selection after 60°C/15 seconds increased TM (23.11 ± 4.3%) and IMS (67.11 ± 3.9%). In conclusion, vitrification in spheres obtained better sperm quality than conventional freezing and vitrification in straws. Warming procedures did not affect the sperm quality but SLC could be a strategy to enhance the quality of the samples after sperm vitrification using 0.5 mL straws.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Crespo
- Department of Reproduction, Centro Militar de Cría Caballar (CCFAS-Ministry of Defense), Ávila, Spain
| | - Jesús Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Maria Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Blasa Pereira
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Isabel Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Regina Arenas
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
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Karthikeyan M, Arakkal D, Mangalaraj AM, Kamath MS. Comparison of Conventional Slow Freeze versus Permeable Cryoprotectant-Free Vitrification of Abnormal Semen Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Hum Reprod Sci 2019; 12:150-155. [PMID: 31293330 PMCID: PMC6594128 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_154_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The cryopreservation of semen samples by slow freezing remains as standard protocol. Recently, vitrification of spermatozoa was successfully reported with superior outcome. Till date, there is no randomized trial comparing the two different protocols. Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the slow freezing with vitrification of the subfertile men spermatozoa to evaluate the progressive motility, vitality, and chromatin integrity. Setting: The study was conducted at University teaching hospital. Design: Study design involves randomized control trial. Materials and Methods: Twenty subfertile men with semen characteristics of severe oligoasthenozoospermia (SOA) and very SOA (VSOA) randomized to undergo slow freezing and vitrification protocol and cryopreserved at 1-month and 6-month storage interval, postthawed or warmed, samples were assessed for progressive motility, vitality, and hyaluronan binding. SPSS version 14 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The SOA samples at 1 month revealed significantly higher motility (42% [22%–74%] vs. 7% [1%–13%]; P = 0.015) and vitality (57% [45%–78%] vs. 34.5% [27–42]; P < 0.001) following vitrification compared to slow-freeze method. For Very severe oligoasthenozoospermia (VSOA), the motility was significantly higher following vitrification (14.5% [2%–32%] vs. 2.5% [0%–4%]; P = 0.007). At 6 months, no statistically significant difference in motility was found between the two groups for Severe Oligoasthenozoospermia (SOA) samples (27% [13%–62%] vs. 8% [0%–11%]; P = 0.066), but motility was significantly higher following vitrification for VSOA samples (12.5% [3%–32%] vs. 2% [1%–5%]; P = 0.019). The hyaluronan-binding assay was comparable in both the groups at 6 months. Conclusions: The current study found the vitrification method involving the use of only nonpermeable cryoprotectants for cryopreservation of abnormal semen sample to be an effective alternative to the conventional slow-freeze technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthukumar Karthikeyan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Darshana Arakkal
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ann M Mangalaraj
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohan S Kamath
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Vitrification and conventional freezing methods in sperm cryopreservation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2018; 233:84-92. [PMID: 30580229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective is to systematically review and synthesize the literature on the efficacy with two different cryopreservation methods used for human spermatozoa and evaluate whether vitrification protocol and quality of sperm influence effect estimates. DESIGN The following electronic databases were searched up to September 2017: Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science. The search strategy used the following the relevant medical subject heading (MeSH) terms, keywords, and word variants for: sperm parameters, conventional freezing, and vitrification. Queries were limited to those involving humans. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that published in English languages were considered eligible. Studies and references were included if they reported total motility, progressive motility, morphology, or DNA fragmentation index (DFI) for vitrified or conventional cryopreserved human spermatozoa. Patients recruited in RCTs considering sperm vitrification as one of the experimental arms and conventional freezing (including slow freezing or vapor fast freezing) sperm control as the other. Studies that had high risks of allocation concealment were excluded when performing sensitivity analysis. We specified 2 subgroup variables, including vitrification protocol and quality of spermatozoa cryopreserved, to investigate sources of heterogeneity. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects (I2 > 50%) or fixed effects (I2 < 50%) model to calculate weighted mean differences (MD) and 95% CI. RESULT(S) The search yielded a total of 2428 articles and 13 RCTs were included for analysis. They involved 486 vitrified and 486 conventional cryopreserved sperm samples. Four sperm parameters were reported as mean differences and based on adjusted estimates in all included studies. Meta-analysis of these studies showed significantly higher total motility [weighted mean differences (WMD) 6.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.94; 11.02; P < 0.0001] and progressive motility [WMD 4.59; 95% CI 0.78; 8.39; P = 0.02] of past-thawed sperm following vitrification compared with conventional freezing methods. However, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) [WMD -1.18; 95% CI -2.81; 0.45; P = 0.16] and morphology [WMD 0.11; 95% CI -0.42; 0.63; P = 0.69] of past-thawed sperm are similar between two freezing groups. Subgroup analysis shown that the vitrification protocol and quality of spermatozoa are potential risk factors for the efficacy of vitrification. Higher past-thawed sperm parameters following the cryoprotectants-free (CPAs-free) vitrification were observed, as well as a lower past-thawed sperm parameters with the cryoprotectants-presence (CPAs-presence) vitrification, which could reflect the CPAs related cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, vitrification had higher ability in preservation of high quality of spermatozoa compared with vitrification of low quality spermatozoa. CONCLUSION(S) According to the results of present meta-analysis, vitrification is superior to conventional freezing methods in preservation of spermatozoa, regarding total and progressive motility. However, the efficacy of vitrification is influence by using different vitrification protocol and cryopreservation of different quality spermatozoa. It is must emphasized that the results of present meta-analysis is limited by the small number of studies of variable vitrification protocol. Further well conducted studies are required to confirm the efficacy of vitrification in cryopreservation of spermatozoa, in addition, allow the examination of the two cryopreservation methods in terms of pregnancy achievement and determination of the role of clinical variable on efficacy of vitrification.
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