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Kussler APDS, Bustamante IC, Negri E, Capp E, Corleta HVE. Timing of semen cryopreservation: before or after processing? REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2024; 46:e-rbgo36. [PMID: 38765530 PMCID: PMC11075422 DOI: 10.61622/rbgo/2024rbgo36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Seminal cryopreservation causes significant damage to the sperm; therefore, different methods of cryopreservation have been studied. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of density gradient processing and washing/centrifugation with seminal plasma removal for cryopreservation in semen parameters. Methods Seminal samples of 26 normozoospermic patients were divided into 3 parts: with seminal plasma; after washing/centrifugation; and after selection through density gradient. The samples were cryopreserved for at least two weeks. Motility, sperm count, morphology and viability were evaluated before cryopreservation and after thawing. Results Density gradient processing selected motile and viable sperm with normal morphology in fresh samples (p<0.05). Cryopreservation negatively affected all sperm parameters regardless of the processing performed, and even if the sperm recovery was lower in the density gradient after the thawing, progressive motility, total motility, viability and morphology remained higher (p<0.05). Conclusion Cryopreservation significantly compromises sperm parameters (motility, morphology, viability). In normozoospermic patients, the density gradients select better quality spermatozoa compared to other processing methods; this benefit was kept after thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula de Souza Kussler
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de MedicinaPorto AlegreRSBrazilFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Generar Reprodução HumanaPorto AlegreRSBrazilGenerar Reprodução Humana, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ivan Cunha Bustamante
- Universidade do Vale do TaquariLajeadoRSBrazilUniversidade do Vale do Taquari, Lajeado, RS, Brazil.
| | - Elisa Negri
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de MedicinaPorto AlegreRSBrazilFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Edison Capp
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de MedicinaPorto AlegreRSBrazilFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreRSBrazilHospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Helena von Eye Corleta
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de MedicinaPorto AlegreRSBrazilFaculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Generar Reprodução HumanaPorto AlegreRSBrazilGenerar Reprodução Humana, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreRSBrazilHospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Tachibana R, Takeuchi H, Yoshikawa-Terada K, Maezawa T, Nishioka M, Takayama E, Tanaka H, Tanaka K, Hyon SH, Gen Y, Kondo E, Ikeda T. Carboxylated Poly-L-lysine Potentially Reduces Human Sperm DNA Fragmentation after Freeze-Thawing, and Its Function Is Enhanced by Low-Dose Resveratrol. Cells 2023; 12:2585. [PMID: 37998320 PMCID: PMC10670029 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222585] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) that occurs during the freezing-thawing of sperm may negatively impact the treatment outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In a previous study, we developed a human sperm cryopreservation reagent containing carboxylated poly-L-lysine (CPLL) that reduced SDF after freeze-thawing compared with clinically popular cryopreservation reagents containing human serum albumin. However, it is unclear whether CPLL reduces SDF, as it differed from the constituents of the commercial cryopreservation reagents used for comparison. Therefore, here, we examined whether CPLL reduces the SDF of human sperm and evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation (LPO), which are the causes of SDF; mitochondrial injury, ROS production; and impaired sperm motility. Furthermore, optimal antioxidants and their concentrations that could further enhance the reduction in SDF were determined for future clinical application in ART and underwent the same functional evaluations. CPLL can reduce SDF via inhibition of intracytoplasmic ROS and LPO. Furthermore, the addition of 0.1 mM resveratrol avoided the enhancement of SDF, which potentially affects mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ROS and LPO. This novel human sperm cryopreservation reagent containing CPLL and resveratrol has the potential to improve treatment outcomes in ART using frozen sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tachibana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.T.); (K.Y.-T.); (T.M.); (M.N.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Hiroki Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.T.); (K.Y.-T.); (T.M.); (M.N.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Kento Yoshikawa-Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.T.); (K.Y.-T.); (T.M.); (M.N.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Tadashi Maezawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.T.); (K.Y.-T.); (T.M.); (M.N.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Mikiko Nishioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.T.); (K.Y.-T.); (T.M.); (M.N.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (K.T.)
| | - Erina Takayama
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (K.T.)
| | - Hiroaki Tanaka
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (K.T.)
| | - Kayo Tanaka
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (K.T.)
| | - Suong-hyu Hyon
- BMG, Inc., 45 Minamimatsunoki-cho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8023, Japan; (S.-h.H.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yuki Gen
- BMG, Inc., 45 Minamimatsunoki-cho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8023, Japan; (S.-h.H.); (Y.G.)
| | - Eiji Kondo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.T.); (K.Y.-T.); (T.M.); (M.N.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (K.T.)
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.T.); (K.Y.-T.); (T.M.); (M.N.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (H.T.); (K.T.)
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Carboxylated Poly-l-Lysine as a Macromolecular Cryoprotective Agent Enables the Development of Defined and Xeno-Free Human Sperm Cryopreservation Reagents. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061435. [PMID: 34201225 PMCID: PMC8227581 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In human sperm cryopreservation, test yolk buffer and human serum albumin have been used as permeating macromolecular-weight cryoprotectants. In clinical reproductive medicine, human serum albumin is frequently used because of low risks of zoonoses and allergic reactions. However, the risk of allogeneic infectious diseases exists, and the supply may be unstable because human serum albumin is derived from human blood. Therefore, the development of xeno-free human sperm cryopreservative reagents that could overcome the aforementioned problems is warranted. We succeeded in developing a new xeno-free and defined sperm cryopreservation reagent containing glycerol, carboxylated poly-l-lysine, and raffinose. The cryopreservation reagent was not significantly different in terms of sperm motility, viability, and DNA fragmentation and was comparable in performance to a commercial cryopreservation reagent containing human serum albumin. Moreover, the addition of saccharides was essential for its long-term storage. These results may help elucidate the unknown function of macromolecular-weight permeating cryoprotective agents.
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Isachenko V, Sanchez R, Mallmann P, Rahimi G, Isachenko E. Chapter 6 Technology of Aseptic Cryoprotectant-Free Vitrification of Human ICSI Spermatozoa. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1568:79-84. [PMID: 28421490 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6828-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this chapter was to describe the standardized aseptic technology of permeable cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in capillaries (for ICSI or IVF in microvolume). Spermatozoa, vitrified by this technology, are free from seminal plasma owing to swim-up procedure preceding vitrification and are free from permeable cryoprotectants. They are ready for further use immediately after warming without any additional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Isachenko
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, University Maternal Hospital, Cologne University, Kerpener Str 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Raul Sanchez
- Department of Preclinical Science, Facultad de Medicina, Center for Traslation Medicine, Universidad de la Frontera, Avenida Alemania, 0458, Temuco, Chile
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, University Maternal Hospital, Cologne University, Kerpener Str 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, University Maternal Hospital, Cologne University, Kerpener Str 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, University Maternal Hospital, Cologne University, Kerpener Str 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
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Abstract
Improved survival rates and quality of life following modern cancer treatment have resulted in a growing number of patients requesting maintenance of reproductive capacity, both before and after completion of treatment. Several established options are currently available. In men, sperm banking should be offered as soon as the diagnosis of any malignant disease is established, irrespective of the expected cryosurvival rate. In such cases, conception can be achieved with frozen-thawed spermatozoa following either intrauterine insemination (IUI) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In women, depending on the type of cancer, the presence of an adequate ovarian reserve, and time to delay cancer treatment, in vitro fertilization (IVF) with embryo cryopreservation constitutes a valid alternative. On the other hand, cryopreservation of mature oocytes following IVF/ICSI offers some advantages, but it is still limited by its low success rate. Emerging and exciting techniques of germ cell/gonadal tissue cryopreservation (banking) followed by autotransplantation have been clinically explored, particularly in women. Novel cryotechnologies of ovarian and testicular tissue have proven efficacious and new transplantation strategies promise improved results. However, only one live birth following autotransplanted frozen-thawed ovarian tissue has been established and there are still no pregnancies reported from autotransplanted cryopreserved testicular tissue in the human. Efficiency and safety of these techniques needs to be demonstrated. Methods for gamete in vitro maturation also need further development. Gonadal tissue cryopreservation and transplantation should be considered experimental in humans for the present time until greater evidence regarding efficacy and safety is accrued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Oehninger
- The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
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Brugnon F, Ouchchane L, Pons-Rejraji H, Artonne C, Farigoule M, Janny L. Density gradient centrifugation prior to cryopreservation and hypotaurine supplementation improve post-thaw quality of sperm from infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:2045-57. [PMID: 23760160 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can selection of spermatozoa by density gradient centrifugation prior to cryopreservation and/or hypotaurine supplementation improve the post-thaw quality of sperm from infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm selection by density gradient centrifugation before freezing and supplementation of the media by hypotaurine is beneficial for the cryopreservation of semen samples of patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm from men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia are more susceptible than normal to cryoinjury. Density gradient centrifugation before sperm freezing may allow the selection of a subpopulation of spermatozoa more resistant to cryopreservation. Hypotaurine is an antioxidant with a protective effect on sperm functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The experiment was carried out according to a factorial design involving two binary factors resulting in four treatment combinations which were randomly allocated in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia sperm samples from 64 patients recruited between January 2009 and June 2010. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen was provided by 64 men undergoing evaluation for infertility at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine of the University Hospital in Clermont-Ferrand, France, between January 2009 and June 2010. Four treatment combinations were tested: sperm freezing before selection without (F-S/H-; n = 16) and with hypotaurine supplementation (F-S/H+; n = 16); sperm selection before freezing without (S-F/H-; n = 16) and with hypotaurine supplementation (S-F/H+; n = 16). Measurements of sperm recovery rates and markers of apoptosis (externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation) were compared in recovered spermatozoa after each procedure. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Higher recovery rates of progressive and total motile spermatozoa were observed when sperm selection was performed before freezing (P < 0.05). The protective effect of hypotaurine was only observed on the percentage of live spermatozoa with PS externalization among total live spermatozoa (AN+ PI-/((AN+ PI-) + (AN- PI-)) when the sperm selection by density gradient centrifugation was performed before freezing (S-F/H+ versus S-F/H-: 6.8 ± 1.09 versus 11.8 ± 2.03%, P = 0.04). The percentage of mitochondrial membrane potential (DiOC6(3) (high)) spermatozoa was higher (P = 0.001) when sperm selection was done before freezing compared with procedures in which sperm selection was done after sperm freezing with (S-F/H+ versus F-S/H+: 58.1 ± 3.50 versus 46.7 ± 5.48%) or without (S-F/H- versus F-S/H-: 57.0 ± 5.18 versus 35.4 ± 4.99%) hypotaurine supplementation. The percentages of TUNEL+ spermatozoa were significantly lower (P = 0.001) when sperm selection was done before sperm freezing compared with procedures in which sperm selection was done after sperm freezing with (S-F/H+ versus F-S/H+: 38.6 ± 9.59 versus 55.7 ± 5.88%) or without hypotaurine supplementation (S-F/H- versus F-S/H-: 37.2 ± 7.91 versus 71.0 ± 5.66%). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The ICSI outcomes were not assessed and the fertility of the spermatozoa remains unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Sperm selection by density gradient centrifugation before freezing and hypotaurine supplementation could improve the cryopreservation of sperm from oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men and make a larger number of functional spermatozoa available for ICSI. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERETS(S) This work was supported by a hospital grant (Projet Hospitalier Recherche Clinique, CHU Clermont Ferrand, France). None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Brugnon
- Assistance Médicale á la Procréation, CECOS, CHU Clermont Ferrand, CHU Estaing, place Aubrac, 63000 Clermont Ferrand, France.
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Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Sanchez R, Isachenko V. Novel Approaches to the Cryopreservation of Human Spermatozoa: History and Development of the Spermatozoa Vitrification Technology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/205891581100200207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cryobiology is very intensively applied in reproductive and veterinary medicine for preservation of gametes, embryos and reproductive tissues. Sub-zero temperatures combined with appropriate cryoprotective agents preserve the physiological and reproductive functions of the cells making long-term storage possible without loss of viability. With the use of cryoprotective agents it has become possible to develop cryopreservation techniques, such as the slow conventional freezing and vitrification that are in use in the present times. In slow controlled-rate conventional freezing extracellular ice crystals are formed whereas in vitrification no ice crystals are formed. Glass formation is compatible with the survival of the cell and the preservation of its intracellular structures provided the type(s) and concentrations of cryoprotectant used are not chemo- or osmotoxic. However, irrespective of the type of cooling method employed the cryosurvival of cells and tissues is influenced by the size and maturity of cells, amounts of intracellular water, quality and quantity of intracellular lipids, type of cells, their function and morphology. The intracellular milieu of cryopreserved cells and tissues remain less understood. The application of nanotechnology may help reveal and help advance our knowledge of the cryobiological principles involved in cryosurvival. At this moment the methods of cryopreservation that merit further investigation are vitrification and lyophilization. Vitrification is cheap if reagents are prepared in-house and the procedure can be performed rapidly. It has been successfully applied for gametes and embryos (of different stages of development), and reproductive cells/tissues, somatic cells and stem cells. However, vitrification is more demanding technically and requires operation and storage at sub-zero temperatures. On the other hand lyophilization deserves further investigation because it is a cheaper form of cryopreservation that may enable cryostorage at less demanding temperatures of 4°C and may even allow transport at ambient temperature. These possibilities are explored in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Isachenko
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Raul Sanchez
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 50931 Cologne, Germany
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Jeyendran RS, Acosta VC, Land S, Coulam CB. Cryopreservation of human sperm in a lecithin-supplemented freezing medium. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:1263-5. [PMID: 18249371 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Revised: 10/30/2007] [Accepted: 10/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The use of egg yolk and serum albumin as additive diluents for human sperm cryopreservation is routine. But because both diluents are of animal origin, they potentially may introduce microbial agents to the sample. To reduce the risk of contamination, the cryoprotective property of phospholipids extracted from lecithin was evaluated and found to be effective when supplemented with dimethyl sulfoxide and glycerol.
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Yeoman RR, Mitalipov S, Gerami-Naini B, Nusser KD, Wolf DP. Low temperature storage of rhesus monkey spermatozoa and fertility evaluation by intracytoplasmic injection. Theriogenology 2005; 63:2356-71. [PMID: 15910919 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2004] [Accepted: 05/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to develop a sperm freezing procedure suitable for use in the propagation of valuable founder animals by assisted reproductive technologies. Here, we report a comparison of processing methods by measuring the motility of fresh and frozen-thawed rhesus monkey spermatozoa and fertility via intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection (ICSI) of sibling oocytes. Washed spermatozoa were frozen in straws or in pellets using different cryoprotective media and processed post-thaw with or without a density gradient centrifugation step. Among the four study series, motility post-thaw was improved with density gradient centrifugation (17-24% versus 75%, P<0.01) achieving levels similar to fresh spermatozoa. Spermatozoa injected oocytes (total n=377) were co-cultured on BRL cells and observed for fertilization and development. With spermatozoa frozen in straws in liquid nitrogen vapors, the fertilization rate after ICSI was lower than with fresh spermatozoa (40-44% versus 77-86%, P<0.05), even with the Percoll-enriched fraction that exhibited robust motility. In contrast, somewhat slower freezing of spermatozoa in pellets on dry ice supported fertilization rates (73%) that were similar to the fresh counterpart. Developmental rates of fertilized eggs were similar in all experiments. A total of 106 embryo transfers has resulted in the first primate born after ICSI with F/T ejaculated spermatozoa plus 22 other infants to date. Additionally, a 3-4 h incubation after thawing improved the fertilization rate with spermatozoa from a male with poor post-thaw recovery of sperm motility. In conclusion, an acceptable fertilization rate after ICSI with motile, frozen-thawed primate spermatozoa was observed comparable to that obtained with fresh spermatozoa allowing small quantities of competent spermatozoa to be used with ICSI to facilitate propagation of desirable primate genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Yeoman
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, 505 185th Avenue, Beaverton, Oregon, OR 97006, USA.
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Abstract
This article focuses on a range of issues that are of current concern to those working in human sperm cryobanking and considers them within a general framework of risk analysis and management, taking into account the available evidence and perceptions of 'best practice' from both the medical and legal perspectives. In particular, issues arising from concerns over the risk of cross-contamination between samples during storage immersed in liquid nitrogen have been analysed in detail. Even though such an occurrence has never been reported for spermatozoa or embryos, and the risk is generally accepted to be vanishingly small, it does represent a finite risk and all reasonable measures should be taken to reduce the chance of its occurring. It is concluded that all methods used to collect, cryopreserve, store, thaw and use cryobanked human spermatozoa must address the risk of contamination from any source throughout the entire process. To assist workers in this area, a series of recommendations as to current best practice are made, based upon conclusions from risk analyses using currently available information.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical, Box 93012, Caulfeild Village RPO, West Vancouver, BC, Canada V7W 3G4.
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McLaughlin EA. Cryopreservation, screening and storage of sperm the challenges for the twenty-first century. HUM FERTIL 2002; 5:S61-5. [PMID: 11897918 DOI: 10.1080/1464727022000199941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The advent of HIV and the serious nature of the sequelae resulted in a major reassessment of artificial insemination practices in the UK. The development of human semen cryopreservation had enormous impact on reproductive medicine and the availability of cryopreserved quarantined donor semen became a mainstay for the treatment of male infertility in the UK. The regulation and accreditation of assisted reproductive technologies and the introduction of peer-reviewed guidelines have largely standardized clinical and laboratory practice. The introduction of assisted fertilization techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, testicular sperm retrieval and improved oncology treatments have placed pressure on reproductive biologists and cryobiologists to design and use cryopreservation protocols for the optimum survival of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen A McLaughlin
- University of Bristol Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol BS2 8EG, UK
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12
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Schuffner A, Morshedi M, Oehninger S. Cryopreservation of fractionated, highly motile human spermatozoa: effect on membrane phosphatidylserine externalization and lipid peroxidation. Hum Reprod 2001; 16:2148-53. [PMID: 11574507 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/16.10.2148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigated lipid peroxidation (LPO) and membrane integrity following cryopreservation-thawing. METHODS Infertile men (study group) and donors (control group) were examined. Purified populations of highly motile spermatozoa were cryopreserved using TEST-yolk buffer and glycerol (TYB-G) followed by quick thaw. LPO was measured by a spectrophotometric assay, with and without a ferrous ion promoter. Annexin V binding was used to assess membrane translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS). RESULTS Pre-freeze LPO was significantly higher in the study than in the control group (P = 0.03). In both groups, LPO measurements after thawing were significantly higher than the pre-freeze samples not exposed to TYB-G (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001 respectively). However, when the pre-freeze samples with TYB-G were compared with the post-thaw samples (all exposed to TYB-G), these differences were not significant. There was a significant increase in PS externalization following cryopreservation in both groups (P = 0.02 and P = 0.003 respectively). In donors, pre-freeze LPO concentrations had a significant positive correlation with thawed spermatozoa depicting PS externalization (r = 0.77, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Although patients had higher basal LPO than donors, LPO did not differ between fresh and cryopreserved-thawed fractionated motile spermatozoa. Freezing-thawing was associated with translocation of PS to the external membrane leaflet.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schuffner
- The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
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Wolf DP, Patton PE, Burry KA, Kaplan PF. Intrauterine insemination-ready versus conventional semen cryopreservation for donor insemination: a comparison of retrospective results and a prospective, randomized trial. Fertil Steril 2001; 76:181-5. [PMID: 11438340 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(01)01857-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare fecundity rates following intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm frozen conventionally versus an IUI-ready preparation. DESIGN Both retrospective results and a prospective, randomized study where recipients were assigned to one of two sperm cryopreservation methods in each cycle of intrauterine insemination are reported. SETTING University-based infertility practice, affiliated private practices, and andrology laboratory. PATIENT(S) Women desiring therapeutic insemination in an effort to establish pregnancy. INTERVENTION(S) Intrauterine insemination with donor sperm frozen conventionally or by an IUI-ready protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cycle fecundity in donor IUI recipients. RESULT(S) In a retrospective analysis involving 642 inseminations in 209 recipients, 79 pregnancies were recorded for an overall pregnancy rate of 12.3% per insemination (or cycle): 11.3% with IUI-ready sperm and 13.9% with conventionally preserved sperm. In a follow-up prospective, randomized study, the pregnancy rate for IUI-ready sperm preparations was 36% per cycle (14 of 39) whereas that for conventionally preserved sperm was 19.6% per cycle (9 of 46). Thirteen of the 23 pregnancies occurred in the first study cycle of insemination; only two pregnancies were observed in patients undergoing more than four cycles of insemination. CONCLUSION(S) Cycle fecundity for IUI-ready donor sperm is equivalent to conventional cryopreserved sperm based on both prospective and retrospective assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Wolf
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health Sciences University, University Fertility Consultants, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Duru NK, Morshedi M, Schuffner A, Oehninger S. Cryopreservation-thawing of fractionated human spermatozoa and plasma membrane translocation of phosphatidylserine. Fertil Steril 2001; 75:263-8. [PMID: 11172825 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(00)01694-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) [1] To evaluate sperm membrane damage during cryopreservation-thawing by the assessment of phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation and [2] to examine the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cryopreservation-related alterations. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING University-based center. PATIENT(S) Men consulting for infertility and fertile donors (controls). INTERVENTION(S) Semen processing was performed by density gradient separation followed by cryopreservation and thawing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Membrane PS translocation was evaluated with annexin V binding, generation of ROS was detected by chemiluminescence, and motion parameters were assessed by computer analysis. RESULT(S) Annexin V binding was detected in the prefreeze fractions with high and low sperm motility. In the patient group, there were significantly higher postthaw levels of annexin V binding in both fractions when compared with prefreezing values. However, such induction of PS translocation was significantly higher in the fractions with high sperm motility. Significantly higher ROS levels were detected in prefreeze samples of the fractions with low sperm motility. CONCLUSION(S) In the population of men studied, [1] cryopreservation-thawing was associated with induction of membrane PS translocation; [2] postthaw ROS levels were lower than before freezing; and [3] neither annexin V binding results nor the generation of ROS were able to accurately predict sperm cryosurvival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Duru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
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Oehninger S, Duru NK, Srisombut C, Morshedi M. Assessment of sperm cryodamage and strategies to improve outcome. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2000; 169:3-10. [PMID: 11155950 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(00)00343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation still represents a valuable clinical aid in the management of infertility. Its current principal indications include (1) donor sperm insemination; (2) freezing before cancer therapy to maintain reproductive capacity; (3) patient's convenience; and (4) because of the outstanding success with ICSI, even patients with different degrees of oligo-asthenoteratozoospermia can now be offered the use of frozen/thawed sperm for oocyte micromanipulation. Although sperm cryopreservation/thawing and results of insemination and IVF have been consistently good using donor semen, results of infertile men (with or without various degrees of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia) have yielded remarkably lower rates of survival and pregnancy. Freezing/thawing techniques have not been subjected to major changes in the last years, Furthermore, the exact nature of sperm cryodamage still remains to be elucidated. Various aspects of sperm freezing are revisited here (1) development of new technical approaches for cryopreservation; (2) analysis of the stimulatory effect of putative cryoprotectant additives; (3) the use of intrauterine insemination-ready processed samples; and (4) selection and optimization of end-points for analysis of cryodamage. It is expected that advances in such areas will improve significantly the cryopreservation/thawing outcome particularly as related to semen samples of subfertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Oehninger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GATA School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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