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Pareek C, Gajbe U, Bawaskar PA, Bandre GR, Badge AK. Laser-Guided Sperm Selection: Optimizing the Reproductive Success Rate in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Cureus 2023; 15:e49052. [PMID: 38116358 PMCID: PMC10728578 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49052] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) enable these patient's spermatozoa to fertilize the oocyte and create viable and healthy offspring, but the effectiveness of the various procedures still has room to increase. In the field of assisted reproductive technology, the need to improve fertility results has led to the development of novel sperm selection strategies. Laser-assisted selection of immotile sperm (LAISS) appears to be a promising strategy, harnessing the power of modern optical instruments to better the selection process and, ultimately, maximize the probability of successful fertilization. This technology takes advantage of sperm cells' distinctive features, such as shape, form, and motility patterns, that can be sensitively changed by laser forces. Using precision laser manipulation, spermatozoa with desirable features can be precisely targeted, improving the overall quality and viability of the sperm population. The existence of an elevated percentage of DNA-damaged sperm in a patient's ejaculation may be one of the key factors decreasing ART outcomes. As a result, one of the most difficult tasks in reproductive medicine is ensuring the best quality of spermatozoa utilized in ART, particularly with regard to genetic integrity. The most recent approaches for preparing and selecting human spermatozoa by LAISS techniques are covered here, with an emphasis on those that have been shown to improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Pareek
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Nagpur, IND
| | - Ujwal Gajbe
- Anatomy, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Nagpur, IND
| | - Pranita A Bawaskar
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Nagpur, IND
| | - Gulshan R Bandre
- Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Ankit K Badge
- Microbiology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to Be University), Nagpur, IND
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Analyzing the Differential Impact of Semen Preparation Methods on the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Techniques. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020467. [PMID: 36831003 PMCID: PMC9953211 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020467] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm separation plays a critical role in assisted reproductive technology. Based on migration, density gradient centrifugation and filtration, a properly selected sperm could help in increasing assisted reproductive outcomes in teratozoospermia (TZs). The current study aimed to assess the prognostic value of four sperm selection techniques: density gradient centrifugation (DGC), swim-up (SU), DGC-SU and DGC followed by magnetic-activated cell sorting (DGC-MACS). These were evaluated using spermatozoa functional parameters. A total of 385 infertile couples underwent the procedure of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), with an isolated teratozoospermia in the male partner. Semen samples were prepared by using one of the mentioned sperm preparation techniques. The improvements in the percentage of normal mature spermatozoa, rate of fertilization, cleavage, pregnancy and the number of live births were assessed. The normal morphology, spermatozoa DNA fragmentation (SDF) and chromatin maturity checked by using chromomycin A3 (CMA3) with DGC-MACS preparation were better compared to the other three methods. Embryo cleavage, clinical pregnancy and implantation were better improved in the DGC-MACS than in the other tested techniques. The DGC-MACS technique helped in the selection of an increased percentage of normal viable and mature sperm with intact chromatin integrity in patients with teratozoospermia.
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Deori S, Ntallaris T, Wallgren M, Morrell JM, Johannisson A. Comparison of Single Layer Centrifugation and Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting for selecting viable boar spermatozoa after thawing. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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4
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Sperm Selection for ICSI: Do We Have a Winner? Cells 2021; 10:cells10123566. [PMID: 34944074 PMCID: PMC8700516 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the aim of sperm cells’ preparation is to select competent spermatozoa with the highest fertilization potential and in this context, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) represents the most applied technique for fertilization. This makes the process of identifying the perfect spermatozoa extremely important. A number of methods have now been developed to mimic some of the natural selection processes that exist in the female reproductive tract. Although many studies have been conducted to identify the election technique, many doubts and disagreements still remain. In this review, we will discuss all the sperm cell selection techniques currently available for ICSI, starting from the most basic methodologies and continuing with those techniques suitable for sperm cells with reduced motility. Furthermore, different techniques that exploit some sperm membrane characteristics and the most advanced strategy for sperm selection based on microfluidics, will be examined. Finally, a new sperm selection method based on a micro swim-up directly on the ICSI dish will be analyzed. Eventually, advantages and disadvantages of each technique will be debated, trying to draw reasonable conclusions on their efficacy in order to establish the gold standard method.
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Abstract
Sperm selection in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is sophisticated. Only about 1,000 sperm out of millions in an ejaculate reach the fallopian tube and thus have a chance of fertilizing an oocyte. In assisted reproduction techniques, sperm are usually selected using their density or motility, characteristics that do not reflect their fertilization competence and, therefore, might result in failure to fertilize the oocyte. Although sperm processing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) bypasses many of the selection processes in the FRT, selection by the cumulus mass and the zona pellucida remain intact. By contrast, the direct injection of a sperm into an oocyte in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) bypasses all natural selection barriers and, therefore, increases the risk of transferring paternal defects such as fragmented DNA and genomic abnormalities in sperm to the resulting child. Research into surrogate markers of fertilization potential and into simulating the natural sperm selection processes has progressed. However, methods of sperm isolation - such as hyaluronic acid-based selection and microfluidic isolation based on sperm tactic responses - use only one or two parameters and are not comparable with the multistep sperm selection processes naturally occurring within the FRT. Fertilization-competent sperm require a panel of molecules, including zona pellucida-binding proteins and ion channel proteins, that enable them to progress through the FRT to achieve fertilization. The optimal artificial sperm selection method will, therefore, probably need to use a multiparameter tool that incorporates the molecular signature of sperm with high fertilization potential, and their responses to external cues, within a microfluidic system that can replicate the physiological processes of the FRT in vitro.
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Alcântara-Neto AS, Fernandez-Rufete M, Corbin E, Tsikis G, Uzbekov R, Garanina AS, Coy P, Almiñana C, Mermillod P. Oviduct fluid extracellular vesicles regulate polyspermy during porcine in vitro fertilisation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:409-418. [PMID: 31775998 DOI: 10.1071/rd19058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
High polyspermy is one of the major limitations of porcine invitro fertilisation (IVF). The addition of oviductal fluid (OF) during IVF reduces polyspermy without decreasing the fertilisation rate. Because extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been described as important OF components, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of porcine oviductal EVs (poEVs) on IVF efficiency compared with porcine OF (fresh and lyophilised). OF was collected from abattoir oviducts by phosphate-buffered saline flush, and poEVs were isolated by serial ultracentrifugation. Four IVF treatments were conducted: poEVs (0.2mgmL-1), OF (10%), lyophilized and reconstituted pure OF (LOF; 1%) and IVF without supplementation (control). Penetration, monospermy and IVF efficiency were evaluated. Transmission electron microscopy showed an EVs population primarily composed of exosomes (83%; 30-150nm). Supplementation with poEVs during IVF increased monospermy compared with control (44% vs 17%) while maintaining an acceptable penetration rate (61% vs 78% respectively) in a similar way to OF and LOF. Western blotting revealed poEVs proteins involved in early reproductive events, including zona pellucida hardening. In conclusion, our finding show that poEVs are key components of porcine OF and may play roles in porcine fertilisation and polyspermy regulation, suggesting that supplementation with poEVs is a reliable strategy to decrease porcine polyspermy and improve invitro embryo production outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Alcântara-Neto
- Unité Mixte de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - M Fernandez-Rufete
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, IMIB-Arixaca, Spain
| | - E Corbin
- Unité Mixte de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - G Tsikis
- Unité Mixte de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - R Uzbekov
- Laboratoire Biologie Cellulaire et Microscopie Electronique, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, 37000 Tours, France; and Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University, 119992, Leninskye gory 73, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - A S Garanina
- Laboratoire Biologie Cellulaire et Microscopie Electronique, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, 37000 Tours, France; and Present address: National University of Science and Technology 'MISiS', 119049, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - P Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, IMIB-Arixaca, Spain
| | - C Almiñana
- Unité Mixte de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), 37380 Nouzilly, France; and Present address: University of Zurich, Genetics and Functional Genomics Group, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Farm Animals, VetSuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - P Mermillod
- Unité Mixte de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), 37380 Nouzilly, France; and Corresponding author:
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Marzano G, Chiriacò MS, Primiceri E, Dell’Aquila ME, Ramalho-Santos J, Zara V, Ferramosca A, Maruccio G. Sperm selection in assisted reproduction: A review of established methods and cutting-edge possibilities. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Oseguera-López I, Ruiz-Díaz S, Ramos-Ibeas P, Pérez-Cerezales S. Novel Techniques of Sperm Selection for Improving IVF and ICSI Outcomes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:298. [PMID: 31850340 PMCID: PMC6896825 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost 50% of the infertility cases are due to male factors. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) allow to overcome the incapacity of these patients' spermatozoa to fertilize the oocyte and produce a viable and healthy offspring, but the efficiency of the different techniques has still the potential to improve. According to the latest reports of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC), the percentages of deliveries per ART cycle in 2014 and 2016 were 21 and 22%, respectively. Among the reasons for this relatively low efficiency, the quality of the spermatozoa has been pointed out as critical, and the presence of high percentages of DNA-damaged spermatozoa in patients' ejaculates is possibly one of the main factors reducing the ARTs outcomes. Thus, one of the main challenges in reproductive medicine is to ensure the highest quality of the spermatozoa used in ARTs, and specifically, in terms of genetic integrity. The latest techniques for the preparation and selection of human spermatozoa are herein discussed focusing on those proven to improve one or several of the following parameters: sperm genetic integrity, fertilization capacity, embryo production, and in vitro survival, as well as pregnancy and delivery rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In addition, we discuss the potential of techniques developed in non-human mammals that could be further transferred to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Ruiz-Díaz
- Mistral Fertility Clinics S.L., Clínica Tambre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
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Kim SW, Nho EJ, Lee JY, Jee BC. Specific tail swelling pattern in hypo-osmotic solution as a predictor of DNA fragmentation status in human spermatozoa. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2019; 46:147-151. [PMID: 31739655 PMCID: PMC6919207 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2019.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate DNA fragmentation status in human spermatozoa according to specific tail swelling patterns determined via hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST). METHODS Frozen semen samples from 21 healthy donors were thawed and prepared by the swim-up technique for use in intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The semen samples were treated for 5 minutes as part of the HOST procedure and then underwent the sperm chromatin dispersion test using a Halosperm kit. DNA fragmentation status (large halo, medium halo, small halo, no halo, or degraded) and the specific tail swelling pattern ("a"-"g") were assessed at the level of a single spermatozoon. A total of 42,000 spermatozoa were analyzed, and the percentage of spermatozoa without DNA fragmentation (as evidenced by a large or medium halo) was assessed according to the specific tail swelling patterns observed. RESULTS The HOST examinations showed that >93% of spermatozoa across all types displayed no DNA fragmentation. The percentage of spermatozoa without DNA fragmentation was 100% in type "d", 98.67% in type "g", and 98.17% in type "f" spermatozoa. CONCLUSION We found that the type "d" spermatozoa displayed no DNA fragmentation, but the other types of spermatozoa also displayed very low rates of DNA fragmentation. This result may be associated with the processing of the spermatozoa by density gradient centrifugation and the swim-up technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Jee Nho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | | | - Byung Chul Jee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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Nordhoff V, Kliesch S. Das eine unter vielen – Spermienqualität und Möglichkeiten der Selektion. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-019-00274-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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11
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El Fekih S, Tous C, Gueganic N, Brugnon F, Ali HB, Bujan L, Moinard N, Caire-Tetauru E, Ajina M, Douet-Guilbert N, Morel F, Perrin A. Decrease of spermatozoa with an unbalanced chromosome content after cell sorting in men carrying a structural chromosomal abnormality. Andrology 2019; 8:181-190. [PMID: 31116011 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We showed that in men with a constitutional chromosomal abnormality, DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in chromosomally unbalanced spermatozoa than in spermatozoa with a normal or balanced chromosomal content. These results could be explained by a phenomenon already described in infertile men: abortive apoptosis. OBJECTIVES To determine whether magnetic-activated cell separation could select spermatozoa with lower levels of DNA fragmentation and unbalanced chromosome content in men carrying a structural chromosomal abnormality. MATERIALS AND METHODS The spermatozoa of ten males with a chromosomal rearrangement were separated into two populations using magnetic-activated cell separation (annexin V (-) and annexin V (+) fractions), in order to study meiotic segregation by fluorescence in situ hybridization, the percentage of spermatozoa with an externalization of phosphatidylserine by annexin V staining and DNA fragmentation by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling on the whole ejaculate and on selected spermatozoa in the same patient. RESULTS For all patients, the percentage of spermatozoa with externalization of phosphatidylserine decreased in the annexin V (-) fraction and increased in the annexin V (+) fraction as compared to the frozen-thawed semen sample. The rates of DNA fragmentation were statistically much lower in the annexin V (-) fraction when compared to the rate before magnetic-activated cell separation for all but one patient. Conversely, we observed a statistically significantly higher rate of DNA fragmentation in the annexin V (+) fraction for six patients. After magnetic-activated cell separation, there was a significant increase of normal/balanced spermatozoa in the fraction of annexin V (-) for all patients. Conversely, we observed a significant decrease in the fraction of annexin V (+) for seven patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Magnetic-activated cell separation is a promising tool for increasing the selection of healthy spermatozoa, with a decrease in the number of spermatozoa with externalization of phosphatidylserine, DNA fragmentation, and chromosome unbalance, for use in assisted reproductive technologies such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection for males with a chromosomal structural abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- S El Fekih
- Laboratoire d'histologie, Embryologie et Cytogénétique, INSERM U1078, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Laboratoire de Cytogénétique, Génétique Moléculaire et Biologie de la Reproduction Humaines, CHU Farhat Hached Sousse et Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisie
| | - C Tous
- Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France
| | - N Gueganic
- Laboratoire d'histologie, Embryologie et Cytogénétique, INSERM U1078, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - F Brugnon
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, AMP, CECOS, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Faculté de Médecine, IMOST, INSERM 1240, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - H Ben Ali
- Laboratoire de Cytogénétique, Génétique Moléculaire et Biologie de la Reproduction Humaines, CHU Farhat Hached Sousse et Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisie
| | - L Bujan
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine, EA 3694, Groupe d'activité de Médecine de la Reproduction, Université Paul Sabatier et CECOS, CHU Toulouse, France
| | - N Moinard
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine, EA 3694, Groupe d'activité de Médecine de la Reproduction, Université Paul Sabatier et CECOS, CHU Toulouse, France
| | - E Caire-Tetauru
- Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France
| | - M Ajina
- Unité de Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie
| | - N Douet-Guilbert
- Laboratoire d'histologie, Embryologie et Cytogénétique, INSERM U1078, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France
| | - F Morel
- Laboratoire d'histologie, Embryologie et Cytogénétique, INSERM U1078, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France
| | - A Perrin
- Laboratoire d'histologie, Embryologie et Cytogénétique, INSERM U1078, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France
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Tarozzi N, Nadalini M, Borini A. Effect on Sperm DNA Quality Following Sperm Selection for ART: New Insights. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:169-187. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Stimpfel M, Verdenik I, Zorn B, Virant-Klun I. Magnetic-activated cell sorting of non-apoptotic spermatozoa improves the quality of embryos according to female age: a prospective sibling oocyte study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1665-1674. [PMID: 29946759 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The main aim of our study was to evaluate the benefit of the use of non-apoptotic spermatozoa selected by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) for ICSI procedures for couples in which the women had good prognoses and the male factor of infertility was teratozoospermia. METHODS Twenty-six couples were treated with ICSI after MACS selection of non-apoptotic spermatozoa following a sibling oocyte approach. Half of the oocytes were microinjected with conventionally prepared spermatozoa, and the other half were microinjected with non-apoptotic, MACS-selected spermatozoa. To assess the influence of MACS selection of spermatozoa on the outcomes of the ICSI cycles, the fertilization, embryo quality, pregnancy, and delivery rates were evaluated and compared between the sibling oocyte groups. RESULTS When subpopulations of couples according to female age were analyzed, a significant difference in quality of blastocyst was observed. More precisely, in a group that was treated with MACS-ICSI, a higher percentage of good quality blastocysts was found among women older than 30 years (75.0 vs. 33.3%; P = 0.028), while there was no difference among younger women. If all included couples were compared regardless of age, no significant difference was observed in the outcome of the ICSI/MACS-ICSI cycles in terms of oocytes and embryos. Additionally, after the ICSI and MACS-ICSI procedures, the morphologies of the prepared spermatozoa were compared. Results showed that the overall percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa did not differ significantly between the ICSI and MACS-ICSI procedures. However, detailed analyses of the morphologically abnormal spermatozoa revealed significantly more spermatozoa with abnormal tails after MACS-ICSI procedure, which may be potential consequence of the selection procedure. Moreover, the trends towards less spermatozoa with abnormal heads and towards more spermatozoa with abnormal necks and midpieces after MACS-ICSI procedure were revealed, although the differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Couples dealing with male infertility due to teratozoospermia can benefit from MACS selection of spermatozoa with higher percentage of good quality blastocysts but only when the woman is older than 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, SI, Slovenia.
| | - Ivan Verdenik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, SI, Slovenia
| | - Branko Zorn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, SI, Slovenia
| | - Irma Virant-Klun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, SI, Slovenia
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Feng J, Feng T, Yang C, Wang W, Sa Y, Feng Y. Feasibility study of stain-free classification of cell apoptosis based on diffraction imaging flow cytometry and supervised machine learning techniques. Apoptosis 2018; 23:290-298. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1454-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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15
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Live births from artificial insemination of microfluidic-sorted bovine spermatozoa characterized by trajectories correlated with fertility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E3087-E3096. [PMID: 29555773 PMCID: PMC5889641 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1717974115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Selection of functional spermatozoa plays a crucial role in assisted reproduction. Passage of spermatozoa through the female reproductive tract requires progressive motility to locate the oocyte. This preferential ability to reach the fertilization site confers fertility advantage to spermatozoa. Current routine sperm selection techniques are inadequate and fail to provide conclusive evidence on the sperm characteristics that may affect fertilization. We therefore developed a selection strategy for functional and progressively motile bovine spermatozoa with high DNA integrity based on the ability to cross laminar flow streamlines in a diffuser-type microfluidic sperm sorter (DMSS). The fluid dynamics, with respect to microchannel geometry and design, are relevant in the propulsion of spermatozoa and, consequently, ultrahigh-throughput sorting. Sorted spermatozoa were assessed for kinematic parameters, acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA integrity. Kinematic and trajectory patterns were used to identify fertility-related subpopulations: the rapid, straighter, progressive, nonsinuous pattern (PN) and the transitional, sinuous pattern (TS). In contrast to the conventional notion that the fertilizing spermatozoon is always vigorously motile and more linear, our results demonstrate that sinuous patterns are associated with fertility and correspond to truly functional spermatozoa as supported by more live births produced from predominant TS than PN subpopulation in the inseminate. Our findings ascertain the true practical application significance of microfluidic sorting of functional sperm characterized by sinuous trajectories that can serve as a behavioral sperm phenotype marker for fertility potential. More broadly, we foresee the clinical application of this sorting technology to assisted reproduction in humans.
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16
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Cho CL, Agarwal A. Role of sperm DNA fragmentation in male factor infertility: A systematic review. Arab J Urol 2018; 16:21-34. [PMID: 29713533 PMCID: PMC5922225 DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarise the latest evidence on the role of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in male factor infertility, as SDF has been emerging as a valuable tool for male infertility evaluation. METHODS A search of PubMed was conducted using the keywords 'sperm DNA fragmentation' and 'male infertility'. Studies in languages other than English were excluded. All identified studies were screened and clinical studies in humans were included. RESULTS In all, 150 articles were included for analysis. Current evidence supports the association between high SDF and poor reproductive outcomes for natural conception and intrauterine insemination. Although the relationship between high SDF and in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is less clear, the negative implication of high SDF on pregnancy loss is evident. Various treatment strategies have been attempted with varying success. The predictive value of SDF testing on outcomes of natural pregnancy and assisted reproduction illustrates its value in clinical practice. CONCLUSION The significant role of SDF in male factor infertility is supported by current evidence. The beneficial role of SDF testing in selection of varicocelectomy candidates, evaluation of patients with unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, selection of the most appropriate assisted reproductive technique with highest success rate for infertile couples, and assessment of infertile men with modifiable lifestyle factors or gonadotoxin exposure has been recently proposed.
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Key Words
- ART, assisted reproductive technology
- ASRM, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
- Comet, single cell gel electrophoresis assay
- EAU, European Association of Urology
- ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- IMSI, intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection
- IUI, intrauterine insemination
- IVF, in vitro fertilisation
- MACS, magnetic cell sorting
- Male infertility
- OR, odds ratio
- PICSI, physiological ICSI with hyaluronic acid binding assay
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- RR, relative risk
- SCD, sperm chromatin dispersion
- SCSA, sperm chromatin structure assay
- SDF, sperm DNA fragmentation
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF)
- TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling
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Affiliation(s)
- Chak-Lam Cho
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Yudiwati R, Pramesti MPBD, Agustinus A, Pradana E, Purwanto B. IMPACT OF PREPARATION USING CONVENTIONAL AND MODIFIED DENSITY GRADIENT CENTRIFUGATION METHODS ON SPERM CONCENTRATION, MOTILITY AND NUMBER OF NORMAL MOTILE SPERM RECOVERY (NMSR). FOLIA MEDICA INDONESIANA 2017. [DOI: 10.20473/fmi.v53i3.6447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Some preparation techniques, either conventional or advanced, have been provided. Advanced technique may overcome the limitations of conventional techniques. Recently, not all fertility clinics in Indonesia are able to provide advanced preparation techniques. Some techniques require expensive equipments and can only be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Some fertility clinics use a modified procedure, namely the combination of density gradient centrifugation with a swim-up method for the preparation of the sperm to be used in ART. This study aimed to determine whether the modified density gradient centrifugation, which is density gradient centrifugation followed by a swim-up, is able to yield better results than conventional density gradient centrifugation. This study was a laboratory experimental pre and pos-test control group design. Population was all adult men aged 21-40 years old and the sampling unit was the man donor’s semen which fulfilled inclusion criterias, collected during the periode of the study. Sample size was eight. Sperm analysis were done before and after preparation in conventional and modified group. Descriptive comparation analysis have been used. This study obtained NMSR 7.9+5.5 million/ejaculate and recovery rate (RR) 27.66+11.8 %. RR was lower compared to RR obtained conventional DGC method. RR might be lower because in modified DGC samples undergo two steps selection while conventional DGC only one step selection. But conventional DGC samples should be centrifuged twice, therefore sperms might experience more trauma. Lower RR sperm does not exclude the possibility to be used for ART, because still within the required number for all TRBs. In conclusion, modified DGC preparation method obtained lower NMSR and RR, nevertheless harvested sperms can still be used in all kind of ART.
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Esteves SC, Agarwal A, Majzoub A. Comparison of strategies to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation in couples undergoing ICSI. Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:S570-S573. [PMID: 29082974 PMCID: PMC5643695 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2017.03.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Esteves SC, Agarwal A, Cho CL, Majzoub A. A Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis on the clinical utility of sperm DNA fragmentation testing in specific male infertility scenarios. Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:S734-S760. [PMID: 29082207 PMCID: PMC5643602 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2017.08.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is recognized as a leading cause of male infertility because it can impair the paternal genome through distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Current evidence supports SDF as a major factor in the pathophysiology of several conditions, including varicocele, unexplained infertility, assisted reproductive technology failure, and environmental lifestyle factors, although the mechanisms involved have not been fully described yet. Measurement of the levels of DNA fragmentation in semen provides valuable information on the integrity of paternal chromatin and may guide therapeutic strategies. A recently published clinical practice guideline (CPG) highlighted how to use the information provided by SDF testing in daily practice, which triggered a series of commentaries by leading infertility experts. These commentaries contained an abundance of information and conflicting views about the clinical utility of SDF testing, which underline the complex nature of SDF. Methods A search of papers published in response to the CPG entitled “Clinical utility of sperm DNA fragmentation testing: practice recommendations based on clinical scenarios” was performed within the Translational Andrology and Urology (TAU) website (http://tau.amegroups.com/). The start and end dates for the search were May 2017 and August 2017, respectively. Each commentary meeting our inclusion criteria was rated as “supportive without reservation”, “supportive with reservation”, “not supportive” or “neutral”. We recorded whether articles discussed either SDF characteristics as a laboratory test method or clinical scenarios, or both. Subsequently, we extracted the particulars from each commentary and utilized the ‘Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats’ (SWOT) analysis to understand the perceived advantages and drawbacks of SDF as a specialized sperm function method in clinical practice. Results Fifty-eight fertility experts from six continents and twenty-two countries contributed commentaries. Overall, participants (87.9%; n=51) were supportive of the recommendations provided by the CPG on the utility of SDF testing based on clinical scenarios. The majority of participants made explicit remarks about both the clinical scenarios and SDF assays’ characteristics. Among ‘not supportive’ and ‘supportive with reservation’ participants, 75% (n=30/40) and 77.5% (n=31/40) expressed concerns related to technical limitations of SDF testing methods and clinical utility of the test in one or more clinical scenarios discussed in the CPG, respectively. The SWOT analysis revealed that the CPG provides a reasonable evidence-based proposal for integration of SDF testing in the routine daily practice. It also uncovered gaps of knowledge and threats limiting the widespread application of SDF in everyday practice, thus allowing the identification of opportunities to further refine SDF testing and its clinical utility. Conclusions The understanding of the role of SDF in male infertility requires an in-depth analysis of the multifactorial pathophysiological processes and the theories involved. The SWOT analysis allowed an objective evaluation of CPG on the clinical utility of SDF testing based on clinical scenarios and its accompanying commentaries written by global experts in all possible angles. Implementation of SDF testing in the clinic may not only increase the outcome of ART but more importantly improve the health of both fathers to be and resulting offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Universtity of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP, Brazil.,Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chak-Lam Cho
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Berteli TS, Da Broi MG, Martins WP, Ferriani RA, Navarro PA. Magnetic-activated cell sorting before density gradient centrifugation improves recovery of high-quality spermatozoa. Andrology 2017. [PMID: 28622434 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have evaluated the use of magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) to reduce apoptotic spermatozoa and improve sperm quality. However, the efficiency of using MACS alone, before or after sperm processing by density gradient centrifugation (DGC) has not yet been established. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal protocol of MACS in assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Thus, we compared sperm quality obtained by DGC alone (DGC), DGC followed by MACS (DGC-MACS), MACS followed by DGC (MACS-DGC), and MACS alone (MACS), and found that the combined methods (MACS-DGC and DGC-MACS) led to retrieval of less spermatozoa with fragmented DNA compared to the single protocols. However, MACS-DGC protocol led to a significantly higher percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility and normal morphology than DGC-MACS protocol. These findings suggest the potential clinical value of using MACS-DGC to improve sperm quality in seminal preparation for ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Berteli
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - M G Da Broi
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - W P Martins
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - R A Ferriani
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - P A Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Zhang H, Xuan X, Yang S, Li X, Xu C, Gao X. Selection of viable human spermatozoa with low levels of DNA fragmentation from an immotile population using density gradient centrifugation and magnetic-activated cell sorting. Andrologia 2017; 50. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H. Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Shandong University; Jinan China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; Jinan China
- The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education; Jinan China
| | - X. Xuan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Shandong University; Jinan China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; Jinan China
- The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education; Jinan China
| | - S. Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Shandong University; Jinan China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; Jinan China
- The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education; Jinan China
| | - X. Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Shandong University; Jinan China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; Jinan China
- The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education; Jinan China
| | - C. Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Shandong University; Jinan China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; Jinan China
- The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education; Jinan China
| | - X. Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Shandong University; Jinan China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics; Jinan China
- The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education; Jinan China
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Rubino P, Viganò P, Luddi A, Piomboni P. The ICSI procedure from past to future: a systematic review of the more controversial aspects. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:194-227. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Zhang C, Lu Y, Zhou H, Lu H, Qian X, Liu X, Wang X, Ding Z, Zhang F, Lu L. Acquiring Kupffer cells in mice using a MACS-based method. Transplant Proc 2015; 47:553-7. [PMID: 25769606 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to establish a new method to isolate Kupffer cells (KCs) by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). METHODS Nonparenchymal cells were acquired from C57BL/6 mice livers by a perfusion system in vivo and then stained with F4/80(+) fluorescein isothiocyanate and CD11c(-) phycoerythrin antibodies. After incubating with immunomagnetic beads, F4/80(+)CD11c(-) KCs were obtained by MACS selection. The purity was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the morphological features and vitality were analyzed in in vitro cultures. RESULTS Compared with traditional methods, acquiring KCs by MACS was characterized by economy, efficiency, and high purity. The F4/80(+)CD11c(-) KCs cultured in vitro also showed the typical adherent shape and excellent phagocytic ability. CONCLUSIONS With the 2-step method using immunomagnetic beads, we provide a new method by which KCs can be obtained from mouse liver with high purity and distinct phenotype of F4/80(+) CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Y Lu
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - H Zhou
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - H Lu
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - X Qian
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - X Liu
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - X Wang
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Z Ding
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - F Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - L Lu
- Translational Medicine Research Center of Jiangning Hospital and Liver Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Gil M, Sar-Shalom V, Melendez Sivira Y, Carreras R, Checa MA. Sperm selection using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:479-85. [PMID: 23468098 PMCID: PMC3644127 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-9962-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether the use of Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) as a sperm selection technique improves ART success rates in couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized trials. Two reviewers conducted study selection and data extraction independently. RESULTS Five studies (prospective randomized trials) that comprised 499 patients were included. Sperm selection using MACS resulted in statistically significant differences in pregnancy rates when compared with density gradient centrifugation and swim-up techniques (RR=1.50, 95 % CI 1.14-1.98). No differences were found between the groups according to the implantation (RR=1.03, 95 % CI 0.80-1.31) and miscarriage (RR=2.00, 95 % CI 0.19-20.90) rates. CONCLUSIONS MACS appears to be a safe and efficient method to select functional sperm with consistently good results. This technique may improve pregnancy rates when used to complement standard sperm selection methods in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Gil
- Hospital Universitari del Mar, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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