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Jiang LY, Kong FF, Yao L, Zhang FX, Wang SS, Jin XY, Tong XM, Zhang SY. Are testicular sperms superior to ejaculated sperms in couples with previous ART failure due to high rate of fragmented embryos? A retrospective cohort study. Front Surg 2023; 9:1065751. [PMID: 36684174 PMCID: PMC9852334 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1065751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim was to clarify whether using testicular sperm reduces embryo fragmentation and improves cycle outcomes. Methods Fragmented embryo was defined as an embryo in which fragments account for more than one third of the embryonic surface area. High rate of fragmented embryos was defined by a proportion of fragmented embryos higher than 50%. We recruited infertile couples who had undergone at least one ovarian stimulation cycle using ejaculated sperm but failed to conceive due to high rate of fragmented embryos in each previous cycle. After fully informed consent, the couples agreed to obtain testicular sperm by testicular puncture and use testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The normal fertilization rate, transferable embryo rate, fragmented embryo rate and cycle outcomes were compared between ejaculated sperm group (EJA-sperm group) and testicular sperm group (TESTI-sperm group). Results Twenty-two couples who agreed to participate in our study underwent 32 ICSI cycles with ejaculated spermatozoa and 23 ICSI cycles with testicular spermatozoa. Embryo transfers were cancelled in 8 ejaculated cycles and 4 testicular cycles because of no transferable embryos. There were no significant differences in age, normal fertilization rate and high-quality embryo rate between ejaculated and testicular groups. The transferable embryo rate and implantation rate in TESTI-sperm group were significantly higher than those in EJA-sperm group (36.9% vs. 22.0%, p < 0.01; 34.2% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). The fragmented embryo rate in TESTI-sperm group was significantly lower than that in EJA-sperm group (61.2% vs. 75.7%, p < 0.05). Conclusion Our small retrospective cohort study suggests that using testicular sperm may be a recommended option for couples with previous ART failure because of high rate of fragmented embryos. Large samples, multicenter studies or randomized controlled trial (RCT) are needed to further confirm the superiority of testicular sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ying Jiang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei-Fei Kong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lv Yao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Xing Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sha-Sha Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Tong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China,Correspondence: Song-Ying Zhang Xiao-Mei Tong
| | - Song-Ying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China,Correspondence: Song-Ying Zhang Xiao-Mei Tong
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Brant A, Schlegel PN. Modern surgical treatment of azoospermia. Curr Opin Urol 2023; 33:39-44. [PMID: 36301052 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review noteworthy research from the last 2 years on surgical management of azoospermia. RECENT FINDINGS The recommended treatments for nonobstructive and obstructive azoospermia have not appreciably changed. However, recent level-1 evidence has reinforced superiority of micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction over sperm aspiration in men with nonobstructive azoospermia, and several studies have identified genetic and other clinical factors that may aid in selecting candidates for testicular sperm extraction. Machine learning technology has shown promise as a decision support system for patient selection prior to sperm retrieval as well a tool to aid in sperm identification from testis tissue. SUMMARY Most men with obstructive azoospermia who desire fertility can be offered either surgical reconstruction or sperm retrieval. For men with nonobstructive azoospermia, sperm retrieval with microdissection testicular sperm extraction remains the gold standard treatment. Uncovering more genetic causes of nonobstructive azoospermia may aid in properly counseling and selecting patients for microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Neural networks and deep learning may have a future role in patient selection for surgical sperm retrieval and postprocedural sperm identification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter N Schlegel
- Department of Urology
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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