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Hallam J, Burton P, Sanders K. Poor Sperm Chromatin Condensation Is Associated with Cryopreservation-Induced DNA Fragmentation and Cell Death in Human Spermatozoa. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4156. [PMID: 39064196 PMCID: PMC11277714 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144156] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Semen cryopreservation is routinely performed in fertility clinics for a variety of reasons, including fertility preservation and storage of donor sperm, yet the freeze-thaw process leads to cellular damage via ice crystal formation, osmotic shock, and supraphysiological levels of oxidative stress. Sperm resistance to damage during the freeze-thaw process varies widely, yet the intrinsic factors associated with sperm cryotolerance are largely unknown. The study aimed to investigate whether poor chromatin condensation renders sperm vulnerable to DNA fragmentation and cell death induced by the freeze-thaw process. Methods: Participants (n = 51) from the general community who met the inclusion criteria collected a semen sample after 3-8 days of abstinence. Neat semen samples underwent traditional semen analysis, aniline blue (AB)-eosin staining for chromatin condensation, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay for DNA fragmentation, and the Annexin V assay for apoptosis/necrosis, prior to being cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapour method and stored at -196 °C. Stored samples were later thawed at room temperature and processed using density gradient centrifugation. Motile sperm concentration, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis/necrosis were analysed in post-thaw samples. Results: As indicated by a significant interaction effect in linear mixed models, an increased proportion of AB-positive sperm in the pre-freeze sample exacerbated the adverse effect of freezing on sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.004), late apoptosis (p = 0.007), and necrosis (p = 0.007). AB-staining was positively correlated with all three parameters in the post-thaw sample (all rs ≥ 0.424, all p < 0.01) and remained significant after adjusting for neat sperm concentration (all partial rs ≥ 0.493, all p < 0.01). Similarly, AB-staining was significantly correlated with the percentage point change in sperm DNA fragmentation (rs = 0.366, p = 0.014) and necrosis (rs = 0.403, p = 0.009), both of which remained significant after adjusting for neat sperm concentration (both partial rs ≥ 0.404, both p < 0.01), and borderline significantly correlated with percentage point change in late apoptosis (rs = 0.307, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Sperm with poorly condensed chromatin may be more susceptible to cellular damage during the freeze-thaw process, independent of pre-freeze sperm concentration. These findings may help to explain the intrinsic variation in sperm resistance to cryodamage within and between individuals that is poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Hallam
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Peter Burton
- Concept Fertility Centre, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia;
| | - Katherine Sanders
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
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Stigliani S, Amaro A, Reggiani F, Maccarini E, Massarotti C, Lambertini M, Anserini P, Scaruffi P. A Pilot Analysis of Whole Transcriptome of Human Cryopreserved Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4131. [PMID: 38612939 PMCID: PMC11012871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074131] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a procedure widely used to store gametes for later use, to preserve fertility in patients prior to gonadotoxic treatments or surgery, and for sperm donation programs. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of cryopreservation on human sperm transcriptome. Semen samples were collected from 13 normospermic men. Each sample was divided into two aliquots. The total RNA was immediately extracted from one aliquot. The second aliquot was frozen and total RNA was extracted after a week of storage in liquid nitrogen. The RNA samples were randomized in four pools, each of six donors, and analyzed by microarrays. The paired Significance Analysis of Microarray was performed. We found 219 lower abundant transcripts and 28 higher abundant transcripts in cryopreserved sperm than fresh sperm. The gene ontology analysis disclosed that cryopreservation alters transcripts of pathways important for fertility (i.e., spermatogenesis, sperm motility, mitochondria function, fertilization, calcium homeostasis, cell differentiation, and early embryo development), although the increase of some transcripts involved in immune response can compensate for the harmful effects of freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stigliani
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Adriana Amaro
- SSD Regolazione dell’Espressione Genica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- SSD Regolazione dell’Espressione Genica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Maccarini
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, UOC Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Anserini
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
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Yang S, Gao X, Zhang T, Cai F, Zhang H. Density Gradient Centrifugation Alone or the Combination of DGC with Annexin V Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting Prior to Cryopreservation Enhances the Postthaw Quality of Sperm from Infertile Male Patients with Poor Sperm Quality. Andrologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9030902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. To examine whether density gradient centrifugation (DGC) alone or its combination with annexin V magnetic-activated cell sorting (DGC-MACS) can be used to process semen samples from infertile male patients with poor sperm quality prior to subjecting these to freeze/thaw process in order to optimize the outcomes of sperm freezing. Methods. This study enrolled sixteen patients with sperm
, sperm
%, and/or <4% normal sperm morphology. Sperms were processed by DGC or DGC-MACS prior to the freeze/thaw process. Sperm motility, hyperosmotic swelling test (HOS), TUNEL test, and morphological analysis were performed before and after the freeze/thaw process. Results. The freeze/thaw process had a detrimental effect on sperm motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity in all three groups (RAW, DGC, and DGC + MACS groups). The DGC and DGC + MACS groups showed increased sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology following freeze/thaw than untreated frozen controls. The motility and viability were not significantly different between DGC-MACS-CPT (cryopreservation-thawing) and DGC-CPT groups. Moreover, almost no grade A or grade B sperm was observed in the DGC-MACS-CPT groups. The sperm selected by DGC or DGC + MACS showed decreased levels of sperm DNA fragmentation than RAW samples following freeze/thaw. Moreover, the sperm DNA fragmentation following freeze/thaw in the DGC-MACS-CPT group was significantly lower than that in the DGC-CPT group. Conclusions. Sperm preparation by DGC before cryopreservation improved the quality of sperm postthaw in infertile males with poor sperm quality. If the sperm quality following freeze/thaw is foreseen to be insufficient for artificial insemination with husband’s sperm or in vitro fertilization, or if there is high DNA fragmentation in RAW sperm, DGC + MACS should be used prior to cryopreservation to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and improve the quality of sperm available for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Taijian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Feifei Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
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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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Hughes G, Martins da Silva S. Sperm cryopreservation for impaired spermatogenesis. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 4:RAF-22-0106. [PMID: 36547401 PMCID: PMC9874962 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0106] [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: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation for men with severely impaired spermatogenesis is one of the commonest reasons for short-term sperm storage, usually in advance of fertility treatment. Cryopreservation is generally very effective, although not all spermatozoa survive the process of freezing and thawing. This review considers various aspects of freezing sperm, including an overview of methods, appropriate use of cryoprotectants and practical considerations, as well as oxidative stress and mechanisms of cell cryodamage.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hughes
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - S Martins da Silva
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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González-Ravina C, Santamaría-López E, Pacheco A, Ramos J, Carranza F, Murria L, Ortiz-Vallecillo A, Fernández-Sánchez M. Effect of Sperm Selection by Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting in D-IUI: A Randomized Control Trial. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111794. [PMID: 35681488 PMCID: PMC9180176 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical outcome in assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) is mainly influenced by the quality of gametes used. It is known that a high percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation (DNAf) decreases the success of ART clinical results. Therefore, techniques such as magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) help to improve results in cases of patients with a high percentage of DNAf. Cryopreservation of sperm in donor intrauterine insemination (D-IUI) treatments increases sperm DNAf, so patients using these sperm samples can benefit from using this technique. This prospective randomized national multicenter study analyzed clinical outcomes of 181 D-IUI treatments. MACS was performed after density gradient centrifugation (DGC) in 90 thawed semen donor samples (MACSG), whereas only DGC was performed in 91 thawed semen donor samples (CG). To our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the effect of MACS on D-IUI cycles. Our results show no significant differences in gestation, live birth, or miscarriage rates between the two groups. We believe that further studies with a larger sample size are needed to evaluate the application of MACS in combination with standard IUI donor sperm preparations in fertility clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina González-Ravina
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Esther Santamaría-López
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-954-286-274
| | - Alberto Pacheco
- IVI-RMA Madrid, Avenida del Talgo 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain;
- Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Alfonso X “El Sabio”, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28016 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Ramos
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
| | - Francisco Carranza
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
| | - Lucía Murria
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
| | - Ana Ortiz-Vallecillo
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
| | - Manuel Fernández-Sánchez
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuan S/N, 41009 Seville, Spain
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Baston-Büst DM, Bielfeld AP. Fertility preservation in the pediatric population-experience from a German Cryobank for ovarian tissue. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:995172. [PMID: 36440191 PMCID: PMC9687368 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.995172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Counseling children on the possibility of fertility preservation prior to a gonadotoxic treatment supports the decision-making process, taking into account that the patients are in a very vulnerable and mentally exhausting situation following the diagnosis. Referral to specialists can be optimized on-site by routing slips with contact addresses, phone numbers, and mail contacts; available time slots for consultation; possibly offers for cost coverage; and an easy-to-understand information leaflet about the different options available. Some of the options for fertility preservation in the prepubertal population especially are still experimental. The unique possibility of fertility preservation before the onset of the gonadotoxic therapy, which may cause premature ovarian insufficiency or azoospermia in the future, should be highlighted.
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