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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 DOI: 10.4103/aja202390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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Nicholson TM, Tokihiro JC, Tu WC, Khor JW, Lee UN, Berthier E, Amory JK, Walsh TJ, Muller CH, Theberge AB. Open-Channel Droplet Microfluidic Platform for Passive Generation of Human Sperm Microdroplets. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593416. [PMID: 38798664 PMCID: PMC11118337 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is important for individuals undergoing infertility treatment, and for those who wish to preserve fertility potential, prior to treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, gender-affirming medical interventions, elective fertility delay, or individuals in high-risk professions such as the military. Current methods for sperm cryopreservation result in approximately 30-50% decrease in sperm motility. However, recent studies have shown that ultra-rapid freezing (vitrification) is a valuable approach for maintaining sperm quality after freeze-thawing processes in the clinical laboratory setting and requires submicroliter to microliter volumes. A major challenge for the adoption of vitrification in fertility laboratories is the ability to pipette small volumes of sample. Here, we present a method that leverages open-channel droplet microfluidics to autonomously generate sub-microliter to microliter volumes of purified human sperm samples. Using a novel, open-channel droplet generator, we found no change in sperm movement and kinematic data after exposure to device and reagents in our platform. We conclude that our platform is compatible with human sperm, an important foundation for future implementation of vitrification in fertility laboratories.
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Rolle K, Okotrub KA, Zaytseva IV, Babin SA, Surovtsev NV. Self-pressurised rapid freezing at arbitrary cryoprotectant concentrations. J Microsc 2023; 292:27-36. [PMID: 37615208 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Self-pressurised rapid freezing (SPRF) has been proposed as a simple alternative to traditional high-pressure freezing (HPF) protocols for vitrification of biological samples in electron microscopy and cryopreservation applications. Both methods exploit the circumstance that the melting point of ice reaches a minimum when subjected to pressure of around 210 MPa, however, in SPRF its precise quantity depends on sample properties and hence, is generally unknown. In particular, cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are expected to be a factor; though eschewed by many SPRF experiments, vitrification of larger samples notably cannot be envisaged without them. Thus, in this study, we address the question of how CPA concentration affects pressure inside sealed capillaries, and how to design SPRF experiments accordingly. By embedding a fibre-optic probe in samples and performing Raman spectroscopy after freezing, we first present a direct assessment of pressure build-up during SPRF, enabled by the large pressure sensitivity of the Raman shift of hexagonal ice. Choosing dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) as a model CPA, this approach allows us to demonstrate that average pressure drops to zero when DMSO concentrations of 15 wt% are exceeded. Since a trade-off between pressure and DMSO concentration represents an impasse with regard to vitrification of larger samples, we introduce a sample architecture with two chambers, separated by a partition that allows for equilibration of pressure but not DMSO concentrations. We show that pressure and concentration in the fibre-facing chamber can be tuned independently, and present differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data supporting the improved vitrification performance of two-chamber designs. Lay version of abstract for 'Self-pressurised rapid freezing at arbitrary cryoprotectant concentrations' Anyone is familiar with pipes bursting in winter because the volume of ice is greater than that of liquid water. Less well known is the fact that inside a thick-walled container, sealed and devoid of air bubbles, this pressure build-up will allow a fraction of water to remain unfrozen if the sample is also cooled sufficiently rapidly far below the freezing point. This phenomenon has already been harnessed for specimen preparation in microscopy, where low temperatures are useful to immobilise the sample, but harmful if ice formation occurs. However, specimen preparation cannot always rely on this pressure-based effect alone, but sometimes requires addition of chemicals to inhibit ice formation. Not enough is known directly about how these chemicals affect pressure build-up: Indeed, rapid cooling below the freezing point is only possible for small sample volumes, typically placed inside sealed capillaries, so that space is generally insufficient to accommodate a pressure sensor. By means of a compact sensor, based on an optical fibre, laser and spectrometer, we present the first direct assessment of pressure inside sealed capillaries. We show that addition of chemicals reduces pressure build-up and present a two-chambered capillary to circumvent the resulting trade-off. Also, we present evidence showing that the two-chambered capillary design can avoid ice formation more readily than a single-chambered one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Rolle
- Institute of Automation and Electrometry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Irina V Zaytseva
- Institute of Automation and Electrometry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergei A Babin
- Institute of Automation and Electrometry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Colombo M, Morselli MG, Zahmel J, Luvoni GC. Ultra-Rapid Freezing Preserves Morphofunctional Integrity and Fertilizing Ability of Epididymal Cat Spermatozoa. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:866953. [PMID: 35774984 PMCID: PMC9237782 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.866953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification and ultra-rapid freezing, which are more commonly used for oocytes and embryos, have recently been applied to spermatozoa in an attempt to make semen cryopreservation in field conditions easier compared to conventional freezing. It is well-known that in case of unexpected death of rare and wild animals, preserving epididymal spermatozoa from isolated testicles represents a great chance of salvaging male germplasm for future use in assisted reproductive technologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphofunctional integrity of cat epididymal spermatozoa ultra-rapid frozen in pellets or straws with two different extenders [E1 (Tris buffer with 20% egg yolk and 0.25 M sucrose) or E2 (Ham's F10 with 1% bovine serum albumin and 0.4 M sucrose)] and to test whether spermatozoa preserved by the best combination were able to fertilize oocytes and produce embryos in vitro by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of in vitro matured cat oocytes. The results showed that E1 and E2 in straw or pellet were comparable (at warming, about 30% normal morphology, 45% intact membranes, and 20% intact acrosomes), except for post-warming motility that was better maintained along time by E1 pellet (21.7 ± 7.4% at warming and 3.6 ± 2.9% after 6 h). Such spermatozoa could fertilize conspecific oocytes and support embryonic development (cleavage 35.5%) as well as frozen control spermatozoa (cleavage 54.29%, p = 0.22). In conclusion, cat epididymal spermatozoa better maintained their morphofunctional features after ultra-rapid freezing with E1 and could successfully produce embryos in vitro after ICSI. This underscores their usefulness as cryobanked material for fertility and biodiversity preservation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Colombo
| | - Maria Giorgia Morselli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jennifer Zahmel
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Lin F, Zheng B. Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa by freezing testicular seminiferous tubule with novel cryopiece. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14356. [PMID: 34957581 PMCID: PMC9285044 DOI: 10.1111/and.14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of cryopreservation of human spermatozoa by freezing testicular seminiferous tubule with a new cryocarrier named ‘novel cryopiece’. Testicular tissue (TT) was collected from patients who underwent diagnostic testicular biopsy. Overall, 35 TT samples were obtained. Each TT sample was equally divided into four groups named (e.g. G1, G2, G3 and Gc). G1 was frozen as testicular seminiferous tubule using novel cryopiece, G2 was frozen as testicular cell suspensions using novel cryopiece, G3 was frozen as testicular cell suspensions using 0.25 ml straw, and Gc was not frozen. The samples in G1 and G2 experimental groups were cryopreserved in five separate aliquots and stored in the same cryovial. The freeze–thaw sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of G2 was lower than that of G3 (20.27 ± 5.40 vs 23.55 ± 6.02; p = 0.004). After thawing, spermatozoa could be found in all 35 testicular seminiferous tubule specimens in G1; however, it could not be found in 2 of 35 (5.7%) and 1 of 35 (2.9%) testicular cell suspensions samples in G2 and G3 respectively. This study indicates that novel cryopiece presented for the cryopreservation of testicular seminiferous tubules and testicular cell suspension is simple and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Maleki B, Khalili MA, Gholizadeh L, Mangoli E, Agha-Rahimi A. Single sperm vitrification with permeable cryoprotectant-free medium is more effective in patients with severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Cryobiology 2021; 104:15-22. [PMID: 34822804 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.11.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is an invasive surgery for achieving the spermatozoa in cases with azoospermia. In these patients, the number of retrieved spermatozoa is limited and the optimal cryo-storage is very critical for their fertility preservation. Therefore, single sperm vitrification has been introduced for preservation of low number of spermatozoa. The goal was to assess the efficacy of sperm freezing medium (SFM) and sucrose medium as cryoprotectants for single sperm vitrification in cases with severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia. A total of 20 ejaculates from severe oligozoospermia and 20 testicular samples from azoospermia were processed. Twenty-five sperm cells were collected using ICSI injection pipette and transferred to a cryoprotectant droplet placed on the Cryotech, then vitrified by plunging in liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility, viability, fine-morphology, mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were assessed before and after vitrification. Sperm motility, viability and the percentage of cells with mitochondrial activity were significantly decreased after vitrification in both severe oligozoospermic and testicular samples in either cryoprotectants. However, the rates of post-warm sperm motility and the cells with mitochondrial activity increased significantly in sucrose medium in both severe oligozoospermic and testicular samples compared to SFM. In testicular samples, the DFI of spermatozoa vitrified in SFM was significantly higher than those vitrified with sucrose medium. Sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, and DNA integrity were better preserved in sucrose medium than SFM after single cell vitrification. The presented method may be a useful candidate for successful freezing of individual sperm cells in clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Maleki
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Lida Gholizadeh
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Esmat Mangoli
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Zhu ZJ, Zhai J, Hu JL, Wang YZ, Chen W, Liu F, Huang YH, Li Z. Cryopiece, a novel carrier with faster cooling rate, high recovery rate and retrieval rate, for individual sperm cryopreservation. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:1121-1132. [PMID: 33850747 PMCID: PMC8039596 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryopreservation of extremely few spermatozoa is still a major challenge for male fertility preservation. This study aims to evaluate the cooling rate, recovery rate, and retrieval rate, along with other parameters of spermatozoa that cryopreserved using Cryopiece, a novel carrier, for individual sperm cryopreservation. Methods Semen samples from 60 fertile donors were collected, and each semen sample was screened for motile sperm and mixed with cryoprotective agent (CPA), and then frozen using Cryopiece, micro-straw, and mini-straws. The cooling rate, retrieval rate, and recovery rate, morphology, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), were compared among the un-frozen sperm and the sperm cryopreserved using these carriers. Results Cryopiece possessed the fastest cooling rate. After freeze-thaw, the average retrieval rate of sperm cryopreserved using Cryopiece was 96.25%, and the average recovery rate was 64.40%, which were higher than that of sperm cryopreserved using the other two carriers (71.42% and 54.30% for micro-straw, and 63.54% and 58.04% for mini-straw, respectively). There was no significant impact on DFI after sperm cryopreservation, and no significant difference in morphology between sperm cryopreserved using these carriers was observed. Though MMP of sperm changed significantly after cryopreservation, micro-straw maintained sperm MMP better than Cryopiece and mini-straw did, while no significant difference was observed in MMP between sperm cryopreserved using Cryopiece and mini-straw. Conclusions Cryopiece produced satisfying retrieval and recovery rates in sperm cryopreservation and should be an ideal carrier for cryopreservation of small number of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhai
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Lin Hu
- Department Of ART, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Wang
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department Of ART, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hua Huang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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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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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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Aseptic Cryoprotectant-Free Vitrification of Human Spermatozoa by Direct Dropping into a Cooling Agent. Methods Mol Biol 2020. [PMID: 32797425 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0783-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Spermatozoa cryopreservation is used for the management of infertility and some other medical conditions. Routinely applied cryopreservation techniques depend on permeating cryoprotectants and relatively slow freezing rates. Cryoprotectant-free vitrification is an alternative and cost-effective method that is based on rapid cooling of spermatozoa by direct plunging into a cooling agent to prevent lethal intracellular ice crystallization and the detrimental effects of high salt concentrations. One of the problems with this technique is that full sterilization of commercially produced liquid nitrogen, which could be contaminated with different pathogens, is not possible. Here we use a benchtop device for the production of sterile liquid air with the same temperature as liquid nitrogen (-195.7 °C). This has been used to develop aseptic technology for cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa.
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Chen W, Bai MZ, Yang Y, Sun D, Wu S, Sun J, Wu Y, Feng Y, Wei Y, Chen Z, Zhang Z. ART strategies in Klinefelter syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2053-2079. [PMID: 32562095 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) who receive assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment often experience poor pregnancy rates due to decreased fertilization, cleavage, and implantation rates and even an increased miscarriage rate. Mounting evidence from recent studies has shown that various technological advances and approaches could facilitate the success of ART treatment for KS patients. In this review, we summarize the methods for guiding KS patients during ART and for developing optimal strategies for preserving fertility, improving pregnancy rate and live birth rate, and avoiding the birth of KS infants. METHODS We searched PubMed and Google Scholar publications related to KS patients on topics of controlled ovarian stimulation protocols, sperm extraction, fertility preservation, gamete artificial activation, round spermatid injection (ROSI), and non-invasive prenatal screening (PGD) methods. RESULTS This review outlines the different ovulation-inducing treatments for female partners according to the individual sperm status in the KS patient. We further summarize the methods of retrieving sperm, storing, and freezing rare sperm. We reviewed different methods of gamete artificial activation and discussed the feasibility of ROSI for sterile KS patients who absolutely lack sperm. The activation of eggs in the process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and non-invasive PGD are urgently needed to prevent the birth of KS infants. CONCLUSION The integrated strategies will pave the way for the establishment of ART treatment approaches and improve the clinical outcome for KS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ming Zhu Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yixia Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Di Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Sufang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Youji Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Youheng Wei
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zijiang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Zhenbo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with severe oligospermia and nonobstructive azoospermia have very limited numbers of viable sperm in their epididymal and testicular samples. Thus, cryopreservation of their sperm is performed to avoid repeated sperm retrievals and to preserve their sperm from any side effects of any treatment regimens. MAIN BODY The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection technology has extended the therapeutic capacity of assisted reproductive technology for men with azoospermia via the surgical or percutaneous isolation of sperm from the testis/epididymis. The conventional cryopreservation techniques are inadequate for preserving individually selected sperm. The technique for freezing single sperm was first developed in 1997 and has been explored from the perspective of frozen carriers, freezing programs, and cryoprotectant formulations. Among these methods, advances in frozen carriers have directly improved single-sperm freezing technology. In this review, we evaluate the different technologies for the cryopreservation of single sperm by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different freezing methods, their clinical applications, and the outcomes for a range of frozen carriers. CONCLUSION Our review article describes the latest and current technologies implemented for the cryopreservation of single sperm that could potentially benefit patients with severe oligospermia and who rarely have any sperm in their ejaculate. This review provides a platform to understand the process and pitfalls of single-sperm cryopreservation to ensure further improvements in the cryopreservation technology in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Liu
- grid.461863.e0000 0004 1757 9397Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Fuping Li
- grid.461863.e0000 0004 1757 9397Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041 China
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Huang WJ, Zhang D, Hong ZW, Chen ZB, Dong LH, Zhang Y, Chen GY, Liu Y, Yao B. Sequential interval micro-droplet loading in closed hemi-straw carrier system: A convenient and efficient method for ultra-rapid cryopreservation in extreme oligozoospermia. Cryobiology 2020; 93:75-83. [PMID: 32057735 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa with low concentration while maintaining adequate post-thawing motility remains a major challenge for male fertility preservation. A convenient and efficient ultra-rapid freezing method for small amounts of human spermatozoa in a closed Hemi-Straw carrier system (CHS) was developed. Spermatozoa from 60 healthy men were involved in a parameter refining test and another 15 extreme oligozoospermic specimens were assigned to a verification test. A commercialized sperm freezing medium, Quinn's Advantage® Sperm Freeze medium (glycerol and sucrose as the cryoprotective agent) was used in the study. The results showed that the highest recovery rates would be obtained via the method of 2 μl single droplet sequential interval loading, by placing the straw at 1 cm above the liquid nitrogen (LN2) surface for 60 s during freezing and 2 cm above the LN2 for 2 min during thawing. This method was applied in cryopreservation for the normozoospermic specimens and compared with a conventional slow freezing method. The results were better than those in the control group in the total motility recovery rate (77.8 ± 11.2% vs 56.6 ± 11.9%, P < 0.01), progressive motility recovery rate (77.6 ± 13.2% vs 47.7 ± 14.6%, P < 0.01), 24 h survival index (60.9 ± 13.4% vs 42.1 ± 14.1%, P < 0.01) and the sperm DNA fragment index (4.2 ± 3.7% vs 5.8 ± 3.7%, P = 0.126). This method was applied to the oligozoospermic specimens. Motile spermatozoa could be found in 12 of 15 cases in the ultra-rapid freezing group, while only in 7 cases in control group. The results indicated that this freezing method was simple, convenient and bio-safe for cryopreservation of severe oligozoospermic specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu-Jian Huang
- Jinling Hospital Department Reproductive Medical Center, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis of Genetic Diseases, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Hong
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000, China; Department of Urology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Zhi-Biao Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Li-Hong Dong
- Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis of Genetic Diseases, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis of Genetic Diseases, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Guo-Yong Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, China.
| | - Bing Yao
- Jinling Hospital Department Reproductive Medical Center, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China.
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14
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Aseptic Technology for Cryoprotectant-Free Vitrification of Human Spermatozoa by Direct Dropping into Clean Liquid Air: Apoptosis, Necrosis, Motility, and Viability. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2934315. [PMID: 32047807 PMCID: PMC7003260 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2934315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the quality of human spermatozoa vitrified by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen vs. liquid air. Spermatozoa were divided into three groups: fresh spermatozoa (Group F) were used as a control. Spermatozoa suspension (20 μl) was vitrified in open granules by direct dropping into liquid nitrogen (Group LN) or clean liquid air (Group LA). After warming at 37°C, the progressive motility rate of Group F was reduced from 65.9 ± 2.5% to 34.0 ± 1.9% (Group LN) and 38.1 ± 2.3% (Group LA), respectively (P1-2,3 < 0.05). The reductions in viability were 65.6 ± 2.2%, 29.0 ± 1.8%, and 36.6 ± 2.6% for Groups F, LN, and LA, respectively (P1-2,3 < 0.05). Comparing spermatozoa vitrified in liquid nitrogen vs. liquid air, no significant differences were detected in motility (34.0 ± 1.9% vs. 38.1 ± 2.3%), viability (29.0 ± 1.8% vs. 36.6 ± 2.6%), early apoptosis (13.8 ± 1.5% vs. 14.3 ± 1.8%), late apoptosis (45.5 ± 1.8% vs. 43.7 ± 2.2%), and necrosis (19.5 ± 2.0% vs. 15.0 ± 1.8%; p > 0.01 for all respective differences). There was a statistical tendency for increasing rates of “progressive motility” and “viability” and decreasing rates of “apoptosis” and “necrosis” when comparing spermatozoa vitrified in liquid air vs. liquid nitrogen. It is concluded that cryoprotectant-free vitrification by the direct dropping of human spermatozoa in a clean cooling agent (liquid air) is a good alternative to the use of nonsterile liquid nitrogen and can be used to cool cells while minimising the risk of microbial contamination.
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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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16
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Micro-quantity straw as a carrier for cryopreservation of oligozoospermic semen samples: Effects of storage times and cryoprotectant. Cryobiology 2019; 86:65-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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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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19
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Wang M, Wu Z, Hu Y, Wang Y, Tan Y, Xiang Y, Wang L, Jin L, Huang H. An adapted carrier for the cryopreservation of human testicular spermatozoa. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:590-599. [PMID: 30366839 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does the adapted carrier Cryoplus improve the quality of cryopreserved spermatozoa compared with the use of conventional containers, and what is the effect of the adapted carrier on clinical outcomes? DESIGN Semen samples from 27 cases of oligozoospermia were used to investigate whether the adapted carrier improved cryopreserved sperm quality compared with the use of 0.25-ml straws and 2-ml cryogenic vials. Thirty testicular sperm samples were used to study the quality of testicular spermatozoa cryopreserved in the adapted carrier. The retrospective study included a further 104 men with azoospermia to investigate the clinical outcomes of testicular spermatozoa cryopreserved with the adapted carriers. Men with mostly obstructive azoospermia were included in this study. RESULTS The adapted carrier improved cryopreserved spermatozoa motility of semen samples compared with 2-ml cryogenic vials but not compared with 0.25-ml straws. No differences were found in cryopreserved sperm DNA fragmentation among the three carriers. Fertilization and good-quality embryo rates were similar in ICSI cycles using fresh or cryopreserved testicular spermatozoa. Additionally, no difference was evident between frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles using fresh or cryopreserved testicular spermatozoa in clinical pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, live birth rates or birth weight. CONCLUSIONS The adapted carrier improved the cryopreserved sperm motility compared with the effects of 2-ml cryogenic vials. The outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and frozen-thawed embryo transfer outcomes indicate that testicular spermatozoa cryopreserved using the adapted carrier is not inferior to fresh testicular spermatozoa. The use of the adapted carrier for cryopreserving human testicular spermatozoa especially from obstructive azoospermia is simple and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China..
| | - Zhengmu Wu
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yuting Hu
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yajing Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yuqian Xiang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Li Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Li Jin
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
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20
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Isachenko V, Sanchez R, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Isachenko E, Merzenich M. Cryoprotectant-free vitrification of spermatozoa: Fish as a model of human. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13166. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty; Cologne University; Cologne Germany
| | - Raul Sanchez
- Center of Reproductive Biotechnology - Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR - BIOREN); Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty; Cologne University; Cologne Germany
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty; Cologne University; Cologne Germany
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty; Cologne University; Cologne Germany
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21
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Isachenko V, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Sanchez R, Isachenko E. Technologies of cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa: asepticity as criterion of effectiveness. Andrology 2017; 5:1055-1063. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; University Maternal Hospital; Cologne University; Cologne Germany
| | - G. Rahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; University Maternal Hospital; Cologne University; Cologne Germany
| | - P. Mallmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; University Maternal Hospital; Cologne University; Cologne Germany
| | - R. Sanchez
- Center of Translational Medicine; Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT- BIOREN); Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
| | - E. Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; University Maternal Hospital; Cologne University; Cologne Germany
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22
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Sun J, Chen W, Zhou L, Hu J, Li Z, Zhang Z, Wu Y. Successful delivery derived from cryopreserved rare human spermatozoa with novel cryopiece. Andrology 2017. [PMID: 28637085 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report the clinical outcomes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with cryopiece cryopreserved rare human spermatozoa from severe male factor infertility patients. We established a novel cryopiece system on the basis of previous studies. In this study, 126 spermatozoa from four patients with non-obstructiveazoospermia (NOA) or severe oligozoospermia were stored in cryopiece and then thawed on the day of the oocyte retrieval, 88 (83%) spermatozoa were recovered with a 47.5% (38 of 80) motile rate. Routine ICSI were performed in enrolled 30 MII oocytes from their spouse with their own spermatozoa, respectively. Twenty-two (73%) fertilization and 19 (86%) zygote cleavage were observed. Finally, a total of 11 embryos were achieved and each female patient received a transplantation of two fresh embryos. Four healthy babies were born at term. In conclusion, our novel cryopiece can be applied in assisted reproduction through ICSI with an effective motile spermatozoa recovery rate, high fertilization rate, and successful pregnancy result.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - W Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - L Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - J Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Peoples' Hospital, Baoshan Branch, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Horta F, Alzobi H, Jitanantawittaya S, Catt S, Chen P, Pangestu M, Temple-Smith P. Minimal volume vitrification of epididymal spermatozoa results in successful in vitro fertilization and embryo development in mice. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:107-112. [PMID: 27427551 PMCID: PMC5227658 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.183378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared three cryopreservation protocols on sperm functions, IVF outcomes, and embryo development. Epididymal spermatozoa cryopreserved using slow-cooling (18% w/v raffinose, RS-C) were compared with spermatozoa vitrified using 0.25 M sucrose (SV) or 18% w/v raffinose (RV). The motility, vitality, and DNA damage (TUNEL assay) of fresh control (FC) spermatozoa were compared with post-thawed or warmed RS-C, RV, and SV samples. Mouse oocytes (n = 267) were randomly assigned into three groups for insemination: RV (n = 102), RS-C (n = 86), and FC (n = 79). The number and the proportion of two-cell embryos and blastocysts from each treatment were assessed. Sperm motility (P < 0.01) and vitality (P < 0.05) were significantly reduced after vitrification compared with slow-cooled spermatozoa. However, DNA fragmentation was significantly reduced in spermatozoa vitrified using sucrose (15 ± 1.8% [SV] vs 26 ± 2.8% [RV] and 27 ± 1.2% [RS-C]; P < 0.01). Although the number of two-cell embryos produced by RS-C, RV, and FC spermatozoa was not significantly different, the number of blastocysts produced from two-cell embryos using RV spermatozoa was significantly higher than FC spermatozoa (P = 0.0053). This simple, small volume vitrification protocol and standard insemination method allows successful embryo production from small numbers of epididymal spermatozoa and may be applied clinically to circumvent the need for ICSI, which has the disadvantage of bypassing sperm selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizzio Horta
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Clínica Las Condes, Lo Fontecilla 441, Las Condes, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, 7550000, Chile
| | - Hamida Alzobi
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sutthipat Jitanantawittaya
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sally Catt
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Penny Chen
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Mulyoto Pangestu
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Peter Temple-Smith
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
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24
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Agha-Rahimi A, Khalili MA, Nottola SA, Miglietta S, Moradi A. Cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in new artificial seminal fluid. Andrology 2016; 4:1037-1044. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Agha-Rahimi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility; Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences; Yazd Iran
| | - M. A. Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility; Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences; Yazd Iran
| | - S. A. Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics; La Sapienza University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - S. Miglietta
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics; La Sapienza University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - A. Moradi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry; Faculty of Pharmacy; Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences; Yazd Iran
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25
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Liu J, Tanrikut C, Wright DL, Lee GY, Toner M, Biggers JD, Toth TL. Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa with minimal non-permeable cryoprotectant. Cryobiology 2016; 73:162-7. [PMID: 27498216 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is a commonly used technique in assisted reproduction, however freezing low concentrations of sperm while maintaining adequate post-thaw motility remains a challenge. In an effort to optimize post-thaw motility yields, low volumes of human sperm were frozen in polyimide-coated fused silica micro-capillaries using 0.065 M, 0.125 M, 0.25 M, or 0.5 M trehalose as the only cryoprotectant. Micro-capillaries were either initially incubated in liquid nitrogen vapor before plunging into liquid nitrogen, or directly plunged into liquid nitrogen. Post thaw sperm counts and motility were estimated. Spermatozoa that were initially incubated in liquid nitrogen vapor had greater post thaw motility than those plunged immediately into liquid nitrogen independent of trehalose concentration. The protective effect of 0.125 M d-glucose, 3-O-methyl-d-glucopyranose, trehalose, sucrose, raffinose, or stachyose were evaluated individually. Trehalose and sucrose were the most effective cryoprotectants, recovering 69.0% and 68.9% of initial sperm motility, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Cigdem Tanrikut
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Diane L Wright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Gloria Y Lee
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mehmet Toner
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - John D Biggers
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Thomas L Toth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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26
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Pradiee J, Esteso MC, Castaño C, Toledano-Díaz A, Lopez-Sebastián A, Guerra R, Santiago-Moreno J. Conventional slow freezing cryopreserves mouflon spermatozoa better than vitrification. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. Pradiee
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal; INIA; Madrid Spain
- Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnológico - Cnpq; Brasilia Brasil
| | - M. C. Esteso
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal; INIA; Madrid Spain
| | - C. Castaño
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal; INIA; Madrid Spain
| | | | | | - R. Guerra
- Zoológico de Córdoba; Ayuntamiento de Córdoba; Córdoba Spain
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28
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Pradiee J, Esteso M, Lopez-Sebastián A, Toledano-Díaz A, Castaño C, Carrizosa J, Urrutia B, Santiago-Moreno J. Successful ultrarapid cryopreservation of wild Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1513-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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