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Mangoli V, Evgeni E, Wyns C. Sperm cryopreservation protocol for micro-TESE-retrieved sperm. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00241. [PMID: 39254400 DOI: 10.4103/aja202466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia is characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate and is categorized into obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). For men with NOA, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is the only method to obtain sperm for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Given the rarity of these sperm and the unpredictable success of subsequent retrieval attempts, cryopreservation of microdissection-TESE-obtained sperm is essential. Effective cryopreservation prevents the need for repeated surgical procedures and supports future ART attempts. After first delving into the physiological and molecular aspects of sperm cryopreservation, this review aims to examine the current methods and devices for preserving small numbers of sperm. It presents conventional freezing and vitrification techniques, evaluating their respective strengths and limitations in effectively preserving rare sperm, and compares the efficacy of using fresh versus cryopreserved testicular sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Mangoli
- Fertility Clinic and IVF Centre, Mumbai 400007, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Christine Wyns
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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Lorian K, Vahidi S, Dehghanpour F, Anbari F, Agha-Rahimi A. Pentoxifylline treatment as a safe method for selecting viable testicular spermatozoa before cryopreservation of a small numbers of spermatozoa in azoospermia individuals. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2024; 96:12525. [PMID: 38934523 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2024.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single sperm cryopreservation (SSC) is a specific technique especially used in individuals with small numbers of sperm who suffered from non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Testicular specimens possess poor motility and low population of viable spermatozoa. Therefore, sperm selection methods such as applying pentoxifylline (PTX) may improve motility in these cases. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of PTX on testicular spermatozoa before and after performing SSC. METHODS Thirty testicular samples were obtained from men with azoospermia. This study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 evaluated the effect of PTX for sperm selection before SSC. Twenty testicular samples were divided to two experimental groups: SSC without (I) and with PTX treatment (II). For PTX treatment spermatozoa were incubated with PTX at 37°C for 30 min and only motile spermatozoa were selected for SSC. In phase 2, ten testicular samples were cryopreserved with SSC and warming procedure was carried out in droplet with and without PTX. Motility and viability rates, morphology by motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), DNA fragmentation by sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated. RESULTS In phase 1, post warm motility rate was higher in PTX exposed group compared to the unexposed group (25.6 ± 8.13 vs. 0.85 ± 2.1) (p > 0.00). Recovery rate, viability and morphology were not significantly different between groups. DNA integrity and MMP were also similar between both groups. In phase 2 although motility increased in PTX group compared to without PTX group (29.30 ± 12.73 vs. 1.90 ± 2.64) (p > 0.00), the viability rate was not different (70.40 ± 12.12 vs. 65.30 ± 11.87). All above mentioned parameters were similar between the two SSC groups. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation of testicular spermatozoa with PTX before cryopreservation increases motility and did not have adverse effects on viability, morphology, DNA integrity and MMP. PTX could be used as sperm selection method before single sperm cryopreservation, but PTX could not maintain motile the most of viable testicular sperms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Lorian
- International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science; Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd.
| | - Serajoddin Vahidi
- Andrology Research center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd.
| | - Fatemeh Dehghanpour
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd.
| | - Fatemeh Anbari
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd.
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd.
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Zhang D, Yao W, Zhang M, Yang L, Li L, Liu S, Jiang X, Sun Y, Hu S, Huang Y, Xue J, Zheng X, Xiong Q, Chen S, Zhu H. Safety evaluation of single-sperm cryopreservation technique applied in intracytoplasmic sperm injection. ZYGOTE 2024; 32:175-182. [PMID: 38629180 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199424000078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique that directly injects a single sperm into the cytoplasm of mature oocytes. Here, we explored the safety of single-sperm cryopreservation applied in ICSI. This retrospective study enrolled 186 couples undergoing ICSI-assisted pregnancy. Subjects were allocated to the fresh sperm (group A)/single-sperm cryopreservation (group B) groups based on sperm type, with their clinical baseline/pathological data documented. We used ICSI-compliant sperm for subsequent in vitro fertilization and followed up on all subjects. The recovery rate/cryosurvival rate/sperm motility of both groups, the pregnancy/outcome of women receiving embryo transfer, and the delivery mode/neonatal-related information of women with successful deliveries were recorded. The clinical pregnancy rate, cumulative clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, premature delivery rate, live birth delivery rate, neonatal birth defect rate, and average birth weight were analyzed. The two groups showed no significant differences in age, body mass index, ovulation induction regimen, sex hormone [anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH)] levels, or oocyte retrieval cycles. The sperm recovery rate (51.72%-100.00%) and resuscitation rate (62.09% ± 16.67%) in group B were higher; the sperm motility in the two groups demonstrated no significant difference and met the ICSI requirements. Group B exhibited an increased fertilization rate, decreased abortion rate, and increased safety versus group A. Compared with fresh sperm, the application of single-sperm cryopreservation in ICSI sensibly improved the fertilization rate and reduced the abortion rate, showing higher safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanjun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenliang Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Mingliang Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xianglong Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yingli Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shuonan Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yufang Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jie Xue
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qi Xiong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shenghui Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanchang Xinhua Hospital, Nanchang Reproductive Hospital, Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, 330001, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Haiqin Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
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Aponte PM, Gutierrez-Reinoso MA, Garcia-Herreros M. Bridging the Gap: Animal Models in Next-Generation Reproductive Technologies for Male Fertility Preservation. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:17. [PMID: 38276265 PMCID: PMC10820126 DOI: 10.3390/life14010017] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to explore advanced reproductive technologies for male fertility preservation, underscoring the essential role that animal models have played in shaping these techniques through historical contexts and into modern applications. Rising infertility concerns have become more prevalent in human populations recently. The surge in male fertility issues has prompted advanced reproductive technologies, with animal models playing a pivotal role in their evolution. Historically, animal models have aided our understanding in the field, from early reproductive basic research to developing techniques like artificial insemination, multiple ovulation, and in vitro fertilization. The contemporary landscape of male fertility preservation encompasses techniques such as sperm cryopreservation, testicular sperm extraction, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, among others. The relevance of animal models will undoubtedly bridge the gap between traditional methods and revolutionary next-generation reproductive techniques, fortifying our collective efforts in enhancing male fertility preservation strategies. While we possess extensive knowledge about spermatogenesis and its regulation, largely thanks to insights from animal models that paved the way for human infertility treatments, a pressing need remains to further understand specific infertility issues unique to humans. The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how animal models have influenced the development and refinement of advanced reproductive technologies for male fertility preservation, and to assess their future potential in bridging the gap between current practices and cutting-edge fertility techniques, particularly in addressing unique human male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. Aponte
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina “One-Health”, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Campus Cumbayá, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Miguel A. Gutierrez-Reinoso
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC), Latacunga 050150, Ecuador;
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción (UdeC), Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Manuel Garcia-Herreros
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV), 2005-048 Santarém, Portugal
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Ozimic S, Ban-Frangez H, Stimpfel M. Sperm Cryopreservation Today: Approaches, Efficiency, and Pitfalls. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4716-4734. [PMID: 37367049 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of human spermatozoa has been an option for patients undergoing chemo or radiotherapies since the late 1950s. Presently, there are different techniques for the cryopreservation of spermatozoa. The most commonly used techniques are programmable slow freezing and freezing on liquid nitrogen vapors, while the use of vitrification is still not accepted as clinically relevant. Although there have been many improvements, the ideal technique for achieving better post-thaw sperm quality continues to be a mystery. A major obstacle during cryopreservation is the formation of intracellular ice crystals. Cryodamage generated by cryopreservation causes structural and molecular alterations in spermatozoa. Injuries can happen because of oxidative stress, temperature stress, and osmotic stress, which then result in changes in the plasma membrane fluidity, motility, viability, and DNA integrity of the spermatozoa. To prevent cryodamage as much as possible, cryoprotectants are added, and in some clinical trial cases, even antioxidants that may improve post-thaw sperm quality are added. This review discusses cryopreservation techniques, cryodamage on molecular and structural levels, and cryoprotectants. It provides a comparison of cryopreservation techniques and describes recent advances in those techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Ozimic
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Helena Ban-Frangez
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Zwamel AH, Fakhrildin MBMR, Hassani HH. EVALUATION OF TWO CRYOPROTECTANTS USED IN A NEW HUMAN SPERM CRYOPRESERVATION TECHNIQUE. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2023; 75:3031-3035. [PMID: 36723322 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202212123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim: To examine the efficiency of different concentrations of Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol as a cytoprotectants in protection of human sperms during cryopres¬ervation in this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: Thirty oligozoospermic semen samples were used in this study. Samples diagnosed according to WHO 2010 criteria. Sheep's ovarian follicles obtained from local slaughterhouse and prepared by slicing the ovaries and evacuating the follicular fluid and oocyte. Each semen sample divided into six equal parts, and diluted 1:1 with cryosolution contains 5%, 10%, 15% DMSO or glycerol and injected within the emptied follicles. After freezing and thawing, the semen mixture aspired outside the follicles and sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and normal morphology were examined. RESULTS Results: The best recovery rate of progressive and total motility post-thawing were with the use of 5% glycerol, and the lowest recovery rate of progressive and total motility and normal morphology were with the use of 15% DMSO. CONCLUSION Conclusions: In this technique, glycerol was more efficient than DMSO regarding sperm motility. The best concentration of glycerol for cryopreserve human spermatozoa is 5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H Zwamel
- RADIOLOGY TECHNIQUES DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, THE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY, NAJAF, IRAQ
| | | | - Hayfa H Hassani
- DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF BAGHDAD, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
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Jiang L, Kong F, Yao L, Zhang F, Wang S, Jin X, Tong X, Zhang S. A novel solution for freezing individual spermatozoa using a right angular cryopiece embedded in a grooved petri dish. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14619. [DOI: 10.1111/and.14619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ling‐Ying Jiang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Fei‐Fei Kong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Lv Yao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Fu‐Xing Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Sha‐Sha Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Xiao‐Ying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Xiao‐Mei Tong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Song‐Ying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou Zhejiang China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Zhejiang China
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Wang X, Lu F, Bai S, Wu L, Huang L, Zhou N, Xu B, Wan Y, Jin R, Jiang X, Tong X. A Simple and Efficient Method to Cryopreserve Human Ejaculated and Testicular Spermatozoa in −80°C Freezer. Front Genet 2022; 12:815270. [PMID: 35154258 PMCID: PMC8831890 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.815270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human autologous sperm freezing involves ejaculated sperm, and testicular or epididymal puncture sperm freezing, and autologous sperm freezing is widely used in assisted reproductive technology. In previous studies, researchers have tried to cryopreserve sperm from mammals (rats, dogs, etc.) using a −80°C freezer and have achieved success. It is common to use liquid nitrogen vapor rapid freezing to cryopreserve human autologous sperm. However, the operation of this cooling method is complicated, and the temperature drop is unstable. In this study, we compared the quality of human ejaculation and testicular sperm after liquid nitrogen vapor rapid freezing and −80°C freezing for the first time. By analyzing sperm quality parameters of 93 ejaculated sperm and 10 testicular sperm after liquid nitrogen vapor rapid freezing and −80°C freezing, we found reactive oxygen species (ROS) of sperm of the −80°C freezer was significantly lower than liquid nitrogen vapor rapid freezing. Regression analysis showed that progressive motility, ROS, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in post-thaw spermatozoa were correlated with sperm progressive motility, ROS, and DFI before freezing. For the freezing method, the −80°C freezer was positively correlated with the sperm progressive motility. Among the factors of freezing time, long-term freezing was negatively correlated with sperm progressive motility and ROS. Although freezing directly at −80°C freezer had a slower temperature drop than liquid nitrogen vapor rapid freezing over the same period, the curves of the temperature drop were similar, and slight differences in the freezing point were observed. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between the two methods for freezing testicular sperm. The method of direct −80°C freezing could be considered a simplified alternative to vapor freezing for short-term human sperm storage. It could be used for cryopreservation of autologous sperm (especially testicular sperm) by in vitro fertilization centers. Clinical Trial Registration: (website), identifier (ChiCTR2100050190).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Wang
- Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangting Lu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shun Bai
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lingli Huang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Naru Zhou
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yangyang Wan
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rentao Jin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Xianhong Tong, , Rentao Jin,
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Xianhong Tong, , Rentao Jin,
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Xianhong Tong, , Rentao Jin,
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Lin F, Zheng B. Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa by freezing testicular seminiferous tubule with novel cryopiece. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14356. [PMID: 34957581 PMCID: PMC9285044 DOI: 10.1111/and.14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of cryopreservation of human spermatozoa by freezing testicular seminiferous tubule with a new cryocarrier named ‘novel cryopiece’. Testicular tissue (TT) was collected from patients who underwent diagnostic testicular biopsy. Overall, 35 TT samples were obtained. Each TT sample was equally divided into four groups named (e.g. G1, G2, G3 and Gc). G1 was frozen as testicular seminiferous tubule using novel cryopiece, G2 was frozen as testicular cell suspensions using novel cryopiece, G3 was frozen as testicular cell suspensions using 0.25 ml straw, and Gc was not frozen. The samples in G1 and G2 experimental groups were cryopreserved in five separate aliquots and stored in the same cryovial. The freeze–thaw sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of G2 was lower than that of G3 (20.27 ± 5.40 vs 23.55 ± 6.02; p = 0.004). After thawing, spermatozoa could be found in all 35 testicular seminiferous tubule specimens in G1; however, it could not be found in 2 of 35 (5.7%) and 1 of 35 (2.9%) testicular cell suspensions samples in G2 and G3 respectively. This study indicates that novel cryopiece presented for the cryopreservation of testicular seminiferous tubules and testicular cell suspension is simple and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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10
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Huang C, Gan RX, Hu JL, Liu F, Hong Y, Zhu WB, Li Z. Clinical benefit for cryopreservation of single human spermatozoa for ICSI: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology 2021; 10:82-91. [PMID: 34365740 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews have focused on sperm recovery and post-thaw parameters after cryopreservation, but there no information on the associated clinical outcomes. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have reported cryopreservation of a single sperm due to the importance of fertility preservation. OBJECTIVES To assess whether the cryopreservation of single human spermatozoa improves clinical outcomes in patients with azoospermia or severe oligospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted an extensive literature search using the following databases, CENTRAL, CNKI, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Web of Science for relevant studies published through December 31, 2019. We calculated the pooled proportions of cryopreservation of single human spermatozoon to assess the recovery, survival, fertilization, pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rates. Subgroup analyses were performed for the following covariates, a) different carriers, b) year of publication, and c) source of sperm. RESULTS We included 25 studies, which included 13 carriers. The pooled proportion of recovery rate of spermatozoa cryopreserved was 92% (95% CI, 87%-96%), and the survival, fertilization, pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rate were 76% (95% CI, 69%-83%), 63% (95% CI, 58%-67%), 57% (95% CI, 39%-74%), 12% (95% CI, 0%-33%), and 40% (95% CI, 12%-71%), respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis, the recovery and survival rates of frozen spermatozoa in subgroup of different carriers were statistically significant. In the past decaade, frozen single human spermatozoon technology has improved the recovery rates of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. However, the differences in clinical outcomes of frozen spermatozoa in subgroup of different sources of sperm were not statistically significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The techniques for single human spermatozoa are feasible and efficient and may benefit patients with severe oligospermia or azoospermia. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Huang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Run-Xin Gan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiang Ya Road, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Lin Hu
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bing Zhu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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11
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Bossi RDL, Cabral M, Oliveira M, Lopes S, Hurtado R, Sampaio M, Geber S. Ultrastructural analysis of Lyophilized Human Spermatozoa. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:473-479. [PMID: 34286941 PMCID: PMC8312306 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20210028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Lyophilization is potentially more practical and cost-effective alternative for sperm preservation. However, there are no studies that evaluate the ultrastructure of human spermatozoa after lyophilization. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the ultrasctructure of lyophilized spermatozoa using Transmission Electron Microscopy. Methods: From a total of 21 donated seminal samples, 30 aliquots were originated and divided into two aliquots so that one could have been submitted to cryopreservation/thaw and the other for lyophilization/rehydration. The liquefied aliquots were homogenized at room temperature. Samples assigned for cryopreservation were placed in straws and samples assigned for lyophilization were placed in the appropriate vials. Cryopreservation samples were placed at -30oC for 30 minutes subsequently for 30 minutes at vapour phase and then plunged into liquid nitrogen. Lately, were warmed in water bath at 37oC for 10 minutes followed by 10 minutes centrifugation. The pellet was resuspended and analysed in a Makler chamber. The semen vials assigned for lyophilization were loaded into a pre-fixed freeze-drying chamber. Following lyophilization, vials were removed from the freeze-drying chamber and kept at 4oC until rehydration. TEM was performed after rehydration and thawing. Sperm samples were fixed, rinsed in buffer, post fixed and dehydration was carried out in escalating concentrations of alcohol solution, acetone and then, embedding in Epon resin. Ultrathin sections were stained and examined in a Transmission Electron Microscope. Results: Analysis of sperm after freezing/thawing using Transmission Electron Microscopy showed lesions to the midpiece, with some mitochondria degeneration and random rupture of plasma membrane. In the head, we identified intact plasma membrane, nucleus and acrosome, as in the flagellum all main structures remained intact including the plasma membrane, the longitudinal columns of dense fibers and the semicircular fibers. Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy showed that spermatozoa heads had ruptured plasma membranes, absence of acrosomes, nuclei with heterogeneous and decompressed chromatin. Mitochondria were deteriorated in the midpiece. Longitudinal columns of dense fibers were absent in the flagellum. Axonemes, in cross-sections, were disrupted with disorganized structures. Conclusions: To our knowledge, our study demonstrated, for the first time, the structure of the human spermatozoa after lyophilization using Transmission Electron Microscopy. The use of a fixed lyophilization protocol with media containing cryoprotectants might explain the damage to the structures. More studies are necessary to improve the results of sperm lyophilization. In the future, the use of lyophilization of spermatozoa might reduce the costs of fertility preservation, since there will be no need for storage space and transportation is simpler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata de Lima Bossi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Cabral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Monica Oliveira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sávia Lopes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Hurtado
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Sampaio
- ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Selmo Geber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,ORIGEN, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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12
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Kurihara M, Fukushima M, Miyata A, Tanaka T, Sugimoto K, Okada H. Comparative study of agarose-gel microcapsules and Cryotop in cryopreservation of extremely small numbers of human spermatozoa. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:244-250. [PMID: 33939593 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1873457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the feasibility of agarose-gel microcapsules to cryopreserve extremely small numbers of sperm for assisted reproductive technology. Semen samples were collected from 16 patients attending the center for reproductive medicine male infertility clinic at a university hospital. We used agarose microcapsules to cryopreserve extremely small numbers of sperm from 16 patients with male infertility (10 with sperm concentration ≥1 million/mL; 6 with sperm concentration <1 million/mL). Six spermatozoa were injected into agarose-gel microcapsules and cryopreserved in a liquid nitrogen tank for 7 days. The Crytop method was used for cryopreservation as a control. After thawing, spermatozoa were recovered. Sperm recovery rates, motility and viability, and recovery time were compared.The post-thawing recovery rate, motility rate, and viability rate were higher whereas the recovery time was shorter in samples preserved using the agarose-gel microcapsule method compared to samples preserved using the Cryotop method in both the group with sperm concentrations of 1 million/mL or above and the group with sperm concentrations of less than 1 million/mL. This study demonstrated that using the agarose-gel microcapsule method increased post-thawing sperm recovery rate, sperm motility rate, and sperm viability rate, and reduced sperm recovery time compared with the conventional Cryotop method when cryopreserving samples with low sperm count. Although requiring further study, the agarose-gel microcapsule method shows much promise as a new option for freezing sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hiroshi Okada
- International Center for Reproductive Medicine.,Department of Urology, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Saitama, Japan
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13
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Lee HC, Balough JL, Roth EW, Vaccari S, Duncan FE. A decellularized oocyte-derived scaffold provides a "sperm safe" to preserve mammalian spermatozoa. Andrology 2021; 9:922-932. [PMID: 33565255 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although only one spermatozoon is needed to create a zygote, a significant challenge is the storage and recovery of germ cells when sperm counts are extremely low. OBJECTIVES We engineered an oocyte-derived biomaterial-the zona pellucida (ZP)-as a "sperm safe" for storing spermatozoon. The ZP is a glycoprotein matrix that surrounds the mammalian oocyte. MATERIALS AND METHODS We made a hole in the ZPs using a Piezo drill and mechanically separated them from the oocyte cytoplasm. A subset of ZPs were further purified through decellularization. Using a modified ICSI approach, we injected sperm heads into purified ZPs and tested the efficacy of cryopreservation and recovery of spermatozoon as well as function. RESULTS Between 1-6 sperm heads were injected into purified ZPs (average 2.7 ± 1.7 sperm heads/ZP), which were then cryopreserved. Upon thawing, an average of 2.5 ± 1.4 sperm heads/ZP were observed, and in 11 of 12 thawed "sperm safes," we recovered all spermatozoa. Decellularized "sperm safes" maintained their three-dimensional structure and had a denser matrix relative to untreated controls as assessed by scanning and transmitted electron microscopy. The efficacy of "sperm safe" derived spermatozoon was evaluated by ICSI. Spermatozoon stored in either untreated or decellularized "sperm safes" elicited egg activation-associated calcium transients and zinc sparks when injected into eggs. Of the resulting zygotes, >80% of them formed pronuclei irrespective of the sperm source. 26.8 ± 4.6% and 18.1 ± 7.0% of the pre-implantation embryos generated from spermatozoon recovered from untreated or decellularized "sperm safes" developed to the blastocyst stage, respectively. Although this development was lower than that using fresh spermatozoon (59.3 ± 19.3%) or conventionally frozen-thawed spermatozoon (28.4 ± 1.7%), these differences were not significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Purified ZPs represent a natural biomaterial for the efficient preservation and recovery of small sperm numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julia L Balough
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric W Roth
- NUANCE, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Sergio Vaccari
- Spring Fertility, San Francisco/Silicon Valley, East Bay, CA, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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14
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Zhu ZJ, Zhai J, Hu JL, Wang YZ, Chen W, Liu F, Huang YH, Li Z. Cryopiece, a novel carrier with faster cooling rate, high recovery rate and retrieval rate, for individual sperm cryopreservation. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:1121-1132. [PMID: 33850747 PMCID: PMC8039596 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryopreservation of extremely few spermatozoa is still a major challenge for male fertility preservation. This study aims to evaluate the cooling rate, recovery rate, and retrieval rate, along with other parameters of spermatozoa that cryopreserved using Cryopiece, a novel carrier, for individual sperm cryopreservation. Methods Semen samples from 60 fertile donors were collected, and each semen sample was screened for motile sperm and mixed with cryoprotective agent (CPA), and then frozen using Cryopiece, micro-straw, and mini-straws. The cooling rate, retrieval rate, and recovery rate, morphology, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), were compared among the un-frozen sperm and the sperm cryopreserved using these carriers. Results Cryopiece possessed the fastest cooling rate. After freeze-thaw, the average retrieval rate of sperm cryopreserved using Cryopiece was 96.25%, and the average recovery rate was 64.40%, which were higher than that of sperm cryopreserved using the other two carriers (71.42% and 54.30% for micro-straw, and 63.54% and 58.04% for mini-straw, respectively). There was no significant impact on DFI after sperm cryopreservation, and no significant difference in morphology between sperm cryopreserved using these carriers was observed. Though MMP of sperm changed significantly after cryopreservation, micro-straw maintained sperm MMP better than Cryopiece and mini-straw did, while no significant difference was observed in MMP between sperm cryopreserved using Cryopiece and mini-straw. Conclusions Cryopiece produced satisfying retrieval and recovery rates in sperm cryopreservation and should be an ideal carrier for cryopreservation of small number of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhai
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Lin Hu
- Department Of ART, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Wang
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department Of ART, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hua Huang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Urological Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Huang C, Gan RX, Zhang H, Zhou WJ, Huang ZH, Jiang SH, Ji XR, Gong F, Fan LQ, Zhu WB. Novel micro-straw for freezing small quantities of human spermatozoa. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:301-310. [PMID: 32624215 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate a novel micro-straw as an efficient, simple method for freezing a small number of human spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Sperm bank. PATIENT(S) Men with severe oligozoospermia or azoospermia undergoing a total of 143 ICSI cycles at the CITIC-Xiangya Hospital of Reproduction and Genetics from June 1, 2015, to June 31, 2019, and 20 donors at the Hunan Province Human Sperm Bank from 2001 to 2016. INTERVENTION(S) Analysis of sperm samples and clinical outcomes after sperm use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Clinical information, including number of motile sperm before and after freezing, freeze-thaw survival rates, two-pronuclear fertilization rates, clinical pregnancy, and early pregnancy loss rates after sperm use. RESULT(S) In the feasibility experiment using the micro-straw, we found a freeze-thaw survival rate of 73% ± 8.3% and no difference in normal sperm morphology, normal acrosome integrity, or DNA fragmentation index between the micro-straw and 1.8-mL cryotubes. The prospective cohort included 1,325 cases, and we collected sperm from testicular, epididymis, and ejaculation sources. We observed motile sperm in 1,294 (97.6%) of 1,325 frozen-thawed samples. Postthaw sperm were available for ICSI in 140 (97.9%) of 143 of cycles. The fertilization, cleavage, and high-quality embryo rates were 1,007 (81.7%) of 1,233; 995 (98.8%) of 1,007; and 537 (53.9%) of 995, respectively. Sixty-nine (49%) clinical pregnancies were achieved, and the miscarriage rate was 6 (8.6%) of 69. CONCLUSION(S) The micro-straw is suitable and clinically useful for the cryopreservation of small numbers of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Huang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Run-Xin Gan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng-Hui Huang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Su-Hua Jiang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Ren Ji
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bing Zhu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Chen W, Bai MZ, Yang Y, Sun D, Wu S, Sun J, Wu Y, Feng Y, Wei Y, Chen Z, Zhang Z. ART strategies in Klinefelter syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2053-2079. [PMID: 32562095 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) who receive assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment often experience poor pregnancy rates due to decreased fertilization, cleavage, and implantation rates and even an increased miscarriage rate. Mounting evidence from recent studies has shown that various technological advances and approaches could facilitate the success of ART treatment for KS patients. In this review, we summarize the methods for guiding KS patients during ART and for developing optimal strategies for preserving fertility, improving pregnancy rate and live birth rate, and avoiding the birth of KS infants. METHODS We searched PubMed and Google Scholar publications related to KS patients on topics of controlled ovarian stimulation protocols, sperm extraction, fertility preservation, gamete artificial activation, round spermatid injection (ROSI), and non-invasive prenatal screening (PGD) methods. RESULTS This review outlines the different ovulation-inducing treatments for female partners according to the individual sperm status in the KS patient. We further summarize the methods of retrieving sperm, storing, and freezing rare sperm. We reviewed different methods of gamete artificial activation and discussed the feasibility of ROSI for sterile KS patients who absolutely lack sperm. The activation of eggs in the process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and non-invasive PGD are urgently needed to prevent the birth of KS infants. CONCLUSION The integrated strategies will pave the way for the establishment of ART treatment approaches and improve the clinical outcome for KS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ming Zhu Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yixia Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Di Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Sufang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Youji Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Youheng Wei
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zijiang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Zhenbo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with severe oligospermia and nonobstructive azoospermia have very limited numbers of viable sperm in their epididymal and testicular samples. Thus, cryopreservation of their sperm is performed to avoid repeated sperm retrievals and to preserve their sperm from any side effects of any treatment regimens. MAIN BODY The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection technology has extended the therapeutic capacity of assisted reproductive technology for men with azoospermia via the surgical or percutaneous isolation of sperm from the testis/epididymis. The conventional cryopreservation techniques are inadequate for preserving individually selected sperm. The technique for freezing single sperm was first developed in 1997 and has been explored from the perspective of frozen carriers, freezing programs, and cryoprotectant formulations. Among these methods, advances in frozen carriers have directly improved single-sperm freezing technology. In this review, we evaluate the different technologies for the cryopreservation of single sperm by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different freezing methods, their clinical applications, and the outcomes for a range of frozen carriers. CONCLUSION Our review article describes the latest and current technologies implemented for the cryopreservation of single sperm that could potentially benefit patients with severe oligospermia and who rarely have any sperm in their ejaculate. This review provides a platform to understand the process and pitfalls of single-sperm cryopreservation to ensure further improvements in the cryopreservation technology in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Liu
- grid.461863.e0000 0004 1757 9397Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Fuping Li
- grid.461863.e0000 0004 1757 9397Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041 China
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18
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Belenky M, Itzhakov D, Freger V, Roseman O, Abehsera S, Miller N, Berkovitz A. Optimizing the protocol for vitrification of individual spermatozoa by adjusting equilibration time. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2020; 66:223-228. [PMID: 32208003 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2020.1737271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Efficient cryopreservation of small numbers of human spermatozoa is essential in cases of severe male infertility, especially those requiring surgical sperm retrieval. Although vitrifying individual spermatozoa on sperm vitrification devices (SpermVD®) provided optimal cell retrieval upon warming, motility rates tended to be lower than with bulk-freezing. Post-warming motility is directly affected by cryoprotectant exposure; however, optimal cryoprotectant equilibration time is unknown. We evaluated several timeframes exposing individual spermatozoa to cryoprotectant before freezing and different cryoprotectants. A total of 2,925 spermatozoa from 20 patients ranging from normozoospermic to moderate oligoteratoasthenozoospermic were vitrified in small groups, on 60 SpermVD®, in 1 µl droplets of 1:1 v/v cryoprotectant/washing medium mixture. Each group was vitrified after 2-60 minutes equilibration time. Motility of each group was evaluated after warming. Leftover pellets were frozen in cryotubes in a mixture of 1:1 v/v cryoprotectant/washing medium after 10 minutes equilibration at room temperature and 10 minutes on liquid nitrogen vapors. Post-thaw motility correlated negatively with cryoprotectant exposure time. The highest post-warming motility rate (32.1%) was observed with 8-minutes equilibration. After 10 minutes, motility rate of vitrified sperm was lower than that of bulk-freezing (31.7% vs. 37.0%, p < 0.0001). Different cryoprotectants did not affect the results. Therefore, for vitrifying small numbers of spermatozoa, we suggest maximum equilibration time of 8-minutes to achieve maximum motility after warming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vita Freger
- MFC Male Fertility Center , Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Orna Roseman
- MFC Male Fertility Center , Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | | | - Netanella Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center , Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arie Berkovitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center , Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv, Israel.,IVF, Assuta Medical Center , Rishon Lezion, Israel
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19
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Tao Y, Sanger E, Saewu A, Leveille MC. Human sperm vitrification: the state of the art. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:17. [PMID: 32145746 PMCID: PMC7060631 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00580-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and has resulted in millions of live births. Two principal approaches have been adopted: conventional (slow) freezing and vitrification. As a traditional technique, slow freezing has been successfully employed and widely used at ART clinics whereas the latter, a process to solidify liquid into an amorphous or glassy state, may become a faster alternative method of sperm cryopreservation with significant benefits in regard to simple equipment and applicability to fertility centers. Sperm vitrification has its own limitations. Firstly, small volume of load is usually plunged to liquid nitrogen to achieve high cooling rate, which makes large volume sample cryopreservation less feasible. Secondly, direct contact with liquid nitrogen increases the potential risk of contamination. Recently, new carriers have been developed to facilitate improved control over the volume and speed, and new strategies have been implemented to minimize the contamination risk. In summary, although sperm vitrification has not yet been applied in routine sperm cryopreservation, its potential as a standard procedure is growing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Tao
- Ottawa Fertility Center, 100-955 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3V4 Canada
| | - Erika Sanger
- Ottawa Fertility Center, 100-955 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3V4 Canada
| | - Arpornrad Saewu
- Ottawa Fertility Center, 100-955 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3V4 Canada
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20
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Nakata K, Yoshida K, Yamashita N. Preclinical evaluation of a new cryopreservation container for a limited number of human spermatozoa. J Reprod Dev 2019; 65:297-304. [PMID: 30971616 PMCID: PMC6708847 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a new container for cryopreservation of a limited number of spermatozoa. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new container, we performed preclinical evaluations using human sperm or mouse oocytes and sperm. First, using human sperm that was frozen and then thawed, we demonstrated that the sperm recovery rate using the new container was 96.7% (58/60), which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the recovery rate of 21.2% (11/52) when using the Cryotop®. Sperm motility rates were 19.2% (10/52) using the Cryotop® and 35.0% (21/60) using the new container. Second, murine epididymal spermatozoa were divided into three groups: fresh spermatozoa, spermatozoa frozen using a straw, and spermatozoa frozen using the new container. Sperm motility, sperm membrane and DNA integrity, in vitro development of fertilized eggs, and offspring development after embryo transfer were assessed. The motility of freeze-thawed sperm was lower in spermatozoa that were frozen using the new container than in fresh spermatozoa or those that were frozen using a straw. After intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the survival rate was 96.7% (145/150), the 2-cell development rate was 90.3% (131/145), and the blastocyst development rate was 77.2% (112/145), when using the new container. There were no differences in the sperm membrane, DNA integrity, or in the embryo development rates to the blastocyst stage among the different frozen groups. Six offspring were derived from spermatozoa freeze-thawed in the new container, and they developed normally. Thus, the new container allows easy handling of a small number of sperms and minimizes sperm loss during cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Nakata
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, Kanagawa 251-0025, Japan.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama, Kanagawa 225-8503, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamashita
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, Kanagawa 251-0025, Japan
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21
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Berkovitz A, Miller N, Silberman M, Belenky M, Itsykson P. A novel solution for freezing small numbers of spermatozoa using a sperm vitrification device. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1975-1983. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arie Berkovitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Assuta Medical Center, 13 Eliezer mazal st., Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Netanella Miller
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Silberman
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa, Israel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michael Belenky
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Assuta Medical Center, 13 Eliezer mazal st., Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Pavel Itsykson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Assuta Medical Center, 13 Eliezer mazal st., Rishon Lezion, Israel
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22
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Hosseini A, Khalili MA, Talebi AR, Agha-Rahimi A, Ghasemi-Esmailabad S, Woodward B, Yari N. Cryopreservation of Low Number of Human Spermatozoa; Which is Better: Vapor Phase or Direct Submerging in Liquid Nitrogen? HUM FERTIL 2018; 22:126-132. [DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2018.1456681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akram Hosseini
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Saeed Ghasemi-Esmailabad
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Nahid Yari
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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23
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Liu F, Zou SS, Zhu Y, Sun C, Liu YF, Wang SS, Shi WB, Zhu JJ, Huang YH, Li Z. A novel micro-straw for cryopreservation of small number of human spermatozoon. Asian J Androl 2018; 19:326-329. [PMID: 26841935 PMCID: PMC5427789 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.173452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of few spermatozoa is still a major challenge for male fertility preservation. This study reports use a new micro-straw (LSL straw) for freezing few spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Semen samples from 22 fertile donors were collected, and each semen sample was diluted and mixed with cryoprotectant in a ratio of 1:1, and then frozen using three different straws such as LSL straw (50–100 μl), traditional 0.25 ml and 0.5 ml straws. For freezing, all straws were fumigated with liquid nitrogen, with temperature directly reducing to −130–−140°C. Sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation index were evaluated before and after freezing. After freezing-thawing, LSL straw group had significantly higher percentage of sperm motility than traditional 0.25 ml and 0.5 ml straw groups (38.5% vs 27.4% and 25.6%, P < 0.003). Sperm motility and acrosomal integrity after freezing-thawing were significantly lower than that of before freezing. However, there was no significant difference in morphology, acrosome, and DNA integrity between the three types of straws (P > 0.05). As LSL straws were thinner and hold very small volume, the freezing rate of LSL straw was obviously faster than 0.25 ml straw and 0.5 ml straws. In conclusion, LSL micro-straws may be useful to store few motile spermatozoa with good recovery of motility for patients undergoing ICSI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai, China.,Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sha-Sha Zou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Can Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Fei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan-Shan Wang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Bo Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hua Huang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China
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24
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Sun J, Chen W, Zhou L, Hu J, Li Z, Zhang Z, Wu Y. Successful delivery derived from cryopreserved rare human spermatozoa with novel cryopiece. Andrology 2017. [PMID: 28637085 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report the clinical outcomes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with cryopiece cryopreserved rare human spermatozoa from severe male factor infertility patients. We established a novel cryopiece system on the basis of previous studies. In this study, 126 spermatozoa from four patients with non-obstructiveazoospermia (NOA) or severe oligozoospermia were stored in cryopiece and then thawed on the day of the oocyte retrieval, 88 (83%) spermatozoa were recovered with a 47.5% (38 of 80) motile rate. Routine ICSI were performed in enrolled 30 MII oocytes from their spouse with their own spermatozoa, respectively. Twenty-two (73%) fertilization and 19 (86%) zygote cleavage were observed. Finally, a total of 11 embryos were achieved and each female patient received a transplantation of two fresh embryos. Four healthy babies were born at term. In conclusion, our novel cryopiece can be applied in assisted reproduction through ICSI with an effective motile spermatozoa recovery rate, high fertilization rate, and successful pregnancy result.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - W Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - L Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - J Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Peoples' Hospital, Baoshan Branch, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Abstract
Since the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the early 1990s, surgical techniques to recover samples from the epididymis and testis directly have been used to benefit patients suffering from obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia. Various studies have demonstrated comparable fertilization, ongoing pregnancy, and implantation rates when fresh and frozen-thawed epididymal sperms were used for ICSI [1]. Injection of fresh and frozen testicular sperms into mature oocytes resulted in similar fertilization rates in cases of obstructive azoospermia. However, in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia, the outcome depends upon the degree of impairment of spermatogenesis, criteria for sperm freezing, and patient selection [2].
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Talwar
- ART Centre, Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, 110010, India.
| | - Sarabpreet Singh
- Reproductive Medicine, Artemis Health Institute, Sector-51, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122011, India
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26
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Kathrins M, Abhyankar N, Shoshany O, Liebermann J, Uhler M, Prins G, Niederberger C. Post-thaw recovery of rare or very low concentrations of cryopreserved human sperm. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:1300-1304. [PMID: 28483505 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze cases in which no sperm could be identified after thawing among cryopreserved samples of rare or very low concentrations of sperm. DESIGN Retrospective, single-institution, cross-sectional. SETTING Male infertility clinic. PATIENT(S) We identified couples that underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with the use of either ejaculated or testicular cryopreserved-thawed sperm. Inclusion criteria were men with <100,000 total ejaculated sperm or men with azoospermia due to spermatogenic dysfunction who underwent microsurgical testicular sperm extraction with similarly low pre-cryopreservation sperm counts. Pre-cryopreservation specimens were categorized as "rare sperm only" (Group 1) or <100,000 total sperm (group 2). "Rare sperm only" applied to cases in which only one to three sperm were identified in a search of >20 high-power fields. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cases in which no sperm were able to be found post-thaw (i.e., complete cellular loss) for use at the time of a programmed IVF cycle. RESULT(S) We analyzed 55 men (83 ICSI cycles). There were five ICSI cycles (6.0%) among five different couples in which no sperm could be identified post-thaw. Of these, four cases were from group 1 (8.5%) and one from group 2 (2.8%). Complete cellular loss occurred in 5.8% of testicular sperm samples and 7.1% of ejaculated sperm samples. There were no statistical associations between the ability to locate sperm post-thaw and the pre-cryopreservation parameters or sperm source. CONCLUSION(S) Failure to retrieve any sperm after thawing of rare or very low concentrations of cryopreserved sperm is an infrequent event and largely limited to those patients with rare quantities of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kathrins
- Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Nikita Abhyankar
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ohad Shoshany
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Meike Uhler
- Fertility Centers of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gail Prins
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
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27
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Hatakeyama S, Tokuoka S, Abe H, Araki Y, Araki Y. Cryopreservation of very low numbers of spermatozoa from male patients undergoing infertility treatment using agarose capsules. Hum Cell 2017; 30:201-208. [PMID: 28251558 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-017-0166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study tried to cryopreserve low numbers of spermatozoa from men undergoing infertility treatments by inserting into agarose capsules. The capsules were transferred into a drop of cryoprotectant solution and injected 3-4 motile spermatozoa that were selected by the swim-up method by conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection. These capsules were put on a Cryotop® and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor, and then submerged into liquid nitrogen and subsequently thawed and recovered. The motile spermatozoa in the capsules were counted. Eventually, we cryopreserved 2142 motile spermatozoa in 702 agarose capsules from 26 male patients and 1356 (63%) spermatozoa maintained their motility after thawing. The spermatozoa motility rates after thawing (MRAT) ranged from 20.0% (5/25) to 95.1% (58/61) among patients. The median MRAT was 68.3% (interquartile range 46.1-75.7). The total number of motile spermatozoa collected by swim-up method strongly correlated with MRAT (r = 0.746). It was possible to cryopreserve spermatozoa from male patients undergoing infertility treatment using agarose capsules. However, there were wide differences in MRAT among patients. It seems the spermatozoa from semen where there were many motile spermatozoa may have higher freezing resistance. Further studies using this method in cryptozoospermic semen, testicular and epididymal spermatozoa are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Hatakeyama
- Tokuoka Ladies Clinic, 1-3-1 Nakane, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 152-0031, Japan. .,Graduate School of Health Science, Gumma Paz College, 1-7-1 Tonyamachi, Takasaki, 370-0006, Japan. .,Yanaihara Women's Clinic, 1-26-29 Ofuna, Kamakura, 247-0056, Japan.
| | - Susumu Tokuoka
- Tokuoka Ladies Clinic, 1-3-1 Nakane, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 152-0031, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa, 992-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Araki
- The Institute for Advanced Reproductive Medical Technology, 909-21 Ishi, Fujimi-Cho, Maebashi, 371-0105, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Araki
- Graduate School of Health Science, Gumma Paz College, 1-7-1 Tonyamachi, Takasaki, 370-0006, Japan.,The Institute for Advanced Reproductive Medical Technology, 909-21 Ishi, Fujimi-Cho, Maebashi, 371-0105, Japan.,Nippon Reprogenetics, Maebashi, 909-21 Ishi, Fujimi-Cho, Maebashi, 371-0105, Japan
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28
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Zhao G, Fu J. Microfluidics for cryopreservation. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:323-336. [PMID: 28153517 PMCID: PMC6236673 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation has utility in clinical and scientific research but implementation is highly complex and includes labor-intensive cell-specific protocols for the addition/removal of cryoprotective agents and freeze-thaw cycles. Microfluidic platforms can revolutionize cryopreservation by providing new tools to manipulate and screen cells at micro/nano scales, which are presently difficult or impossible with conventional bulk approaches. This review describes applications of microfluidic tools in cell manipulation, cryoprotective agent exposure, programmed freezing/thawing, vitrification, and in situ assessment in cryopreservation, and discusses achievements and challenges, providing perspectives for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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29
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Horta F, Alzobi H, Jitanantawittaya S, Catt S, Chen P, Pangestu M, Temple-Smith P. Minimal volume vitrification of epididymal spermatozoa results in successful in vitro fertilization and embryo development in mice. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:107-112. [PMID: 27427551 PMCID: PMC5227658 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.183378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared three cryopreservation protocols on sperm functions, IVF outcomes, and embryo development. Epididymal spermatozoa cryopreserved using slow-cooling (18% w/v raffinose, RS-C) were compared with spermatozoa vitrified using 0.25 M sucrose (SV) or 18% w/v raffinose (RV). The motility, vitality, and DNA damage (TUNEL assay) of fresh control (FC) spermatozoa were compared with post-thawed or warmed RS-C, RV, and SV samples. Mouse oocytes (n = 267) were randomly assigned into three groups for insemination: RV (n = 102), RS-C (n = 86), and FC (n = 79). The number and the proportion of two-cell embryos and blastocysts from each treatment were assessed. Sperm motility (P < 0.01) and vitality (P < 0.05) were significantly reduced after vitrification compared with slow-cooled spermatozoa. However, DNA fragmentation was significantly reduced in spermatozoa vitrified using sucrose (15 ± 1.8% [SV] vs 26 ± 2.8% [RV] and 27 ± 1.2% [RS-C]; P < 0.01). Although the number of two-cell embryos produced by RS-C, RV, and FC spermatozoa was not significantly different, the number of blastocysts produced from two-cell embryos using RV spermatozoa was significantly higher than FC spermatozoa (P = 0.0053). This simple, small volume vitrification protocol and standard insemination method allows successful embryo production from small numbers of epididymal spermatozoa and may be applied clinically to circumvent the need for ICSI, which has the disadvantage of bypassing sperm selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizzio Horta
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Clínica Las Condes, Lo Fontecilla 441, Las Condes, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, 7550000, Chile
| | - Hamida Alzobi
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sutthipat Jitanantawittaya
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sally Catt
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Penny Chen
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Mulyoto Pangestu
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Peter Temple-Smith
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
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30
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Abstract
Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is a highly efficient procedure for managing male fertility, and much of its successful application seems to have a crucial impact on the reproductive outcome of assisted reproduction technologies. Here, we present, explain, and describe the slow freezing method for preserving human spermatozoa, which is currently the most commonly used freezing technique in most clinical andrology laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Ave., X11, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Eva Tvrda
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Ave., X11, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Department of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976, Nitra, Slovak Republic
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31
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Tomita K, Sakai S, Khanmohammadi M, Yamochi T, Hashimoto S, Anzai M, Morimoto Y, Taya M, Hosoi Y. Cryopreservation of a small number of human sperm using enzymatically fabricated, hollow hyaluronan microcapsules handled by conventional ICSI procedures. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:501-11. [PMID: 26781440 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0656-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated whether enzymatically fabricated hyaluronan (HA) microcapsules were feasible for use in the cryopreservation of a small number of sperm. METHODS HA microcapsules were fabricated using a system of water-immiscible fluid under laminar flow. Three sperm were injected into a hollow HA microcapsule using a micromanipulator. Capsules containing injected sperm were incubated in a freezing medium composed of sucrose as the cryoprotectant and then placed in a Cryotop® device and plunged into liquid nitrogen. After thawing, the capsule was degraded by hyaluronidase, and the recovery rate of sperm and their motility were investigated. RESULTS The HA microcapsule measuring 200 μm in diameter and with a 30-μm thick membrane was handled using a conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) system, and the procedure involved the injection of sperm into the capsule. The HA microcapsules containing sperm were cryopreserved in a Cryotop® device and decomposed by the addition of hyaluronidase. The recovery rate of sperm after cryopreservation and degradation of HA microcapsules was sufficient for use in clinical practice (90 %). CONCLUSIONS Hollow HA microcapsules can be used for the cryopreservation of a small number of sperm without producing adverse effects on sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhisa Tomita
- IVF Namba Clinic, 1-17-28 Minamihorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0015, Japan.
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Wakayama, 649-6493, Japan.
| | - Shinji Sakai
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
| | - Mehdi Khanmohammadi
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yamochi
- IVF Namba Clinic, 1-17-28 Minamihorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0015, Japan
| | - Shu Hashimoto
- IVF Namba Clinic, 1-17-28 Minamihorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0015, Japan
| | - Masayuki Anzai
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Wakayama, 649-6493, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Morimoto
- HORAC Grand Front Osaka Clinic, 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
| | - Masahito Taya
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Hosoi
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Wakayama, 649-6493, Japan
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32
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Fode M, Ohl DA, Sønksen J. A step-wise approach to sperm retrieval in men with neurogenic anejaculation. Nat Rev Urol 2015; 12:607-16. [PMID: 26481575 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2015.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Normal fertility is dependent on intravaginal delivery of semen through ejaculation. This process is highly dependent on an intact ejaculatory reflex arc, which can be disrupted through any type of trauma or disease causing damage to the CNS and/or peripheral nerves. Neurogenic anejaculation is most commonly associated with spinal cord injury. This aetiology is especially relevant because most men with spinal cord injuries are injured at reproductive age. Assisted ejaculation in the form of penile vibratory stimulation is the first choice for sperm retrieval in such patients because it is noninvasive and inexpensive. In patients in whom vibratory stimulation fails, electroejaculation is almost always successful. When both methods of assisted ejaculation are unsuccessful, sperm retrieval by aspiration from either the vas deferens or the epididymis, or by testicular biopsy or surgery are reasonable options. In such cases the most inexpensive and least invasive methods should be considered first. The obtained semen can be used for intravaginal or intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Fode
- Department of Urology, Roskilde Hospital, Koegevej 7-13, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Dana A Ohl
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Box 0330, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Jens Sønksen
- Department of Urology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
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33
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Abstract
Many aspects of fertility rely on intact neurologic function and thus neurologic diseases can result in infertility. While research into general female fertility and alterations in male semen quality is limited, we have an abundance of knowledge regarding ejaculatory dysfunction following nerve injury. Normal ejaculation is the result of coordinated reflex activity involving both the sympathetic and somatic nervous systems. Nerve injury can result in retrograde ejaculation, and anejaculation. With retrograde ejaculation, the ejaculate is propelled into the bladder instead of out through the urethra. In mild cases this condition can be reversed by sympathomimetic medications and, in more severe cases, sperm cells can be extracted from the bladder following ejaculation. With anejaculation, the ejaculatory reflex is not activated by normal sexual stimulation. In such cases, the first choice of treatment is assisted ejaculation, preferably by penile vibratory stimulation. If vibratory stimulation is unsuccessful, then ejaculation can almost always be induced by electroejaculation. In cases where assisted ejaculation fails, sperm can be retrieved surgically from either the epididymis or from the testis. Once viable sperm cells have been obtained, these are used in assisted reproductive techniques, including intravaginal insemination, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Araki Y, Yao T, Asayama Y, Matsuhisa A, Araki Y. Single human sperm cryopreservation method using hollow-core agarose capsules. Fertil Steril 2015. [PMID: 26207962 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop an efficient cryopreservation method using a single sperm. DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING Laboratory of a private institute. PATIENT(S) A fertile donor. INTERVENTION(S) We produced hollow-core capsules with agarose walls. A single human sperm was injected into each capsule as per the conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) method. The capsules that contained the spermatozoa were cryopreserved on polycarbonate or nylon mesh sheets using nitrogen vapor. Before their use, the capsules were thawed and recovered. The motile spermatozoa in the capsules were counted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The recovery rates of the agarose capsules and the spermatozoa in these capsules after thawing and the mortality and survival rates of the spermatozoa. RESULT(S) The recovery rates of the capsules were 91.5% (75/82) using polycarbonate sheets (PS) and 98.3% (59/60) using mesh sheets (MS) after thawing. The recovered capsules were not at all damaged. The recovery rates of the spermatozoa were 91.5% (75/82) using PS and 96.7% (58/60) using MS. Sperm motility rates were 85.3% (64/75) and 82.8% (48/58), whereas the survival rates of the immotile spermatozoa by the hypoosmotic swelling test were 81.8% (9/11) and 50.0% (5/10); furthermore, the total survival rates of the spermatozoa were 97.3% (73/75) and 91.4% (53/58) using PS and MS, respectively. There was no significant difference between the results obtained using PS and MS. CONCLUSION(S) A cryopreservation method for a single sperm using an agarose capsule has been developed. The method is expected to be useful in ICSI treatment in patients with few spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Araki
- The Institute for Assisted Reproductive Medical Technology, Fujimi, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Tatsuma Yao
- Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Research and Development Center, Joto, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Asayama
- Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Research and Development Center, Joto, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akio Matsuhisa
- Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Research and Development Center, Joto, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Araki
- The Institute for Assisted Reproductive Medical Technology, Fujimi, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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Coetzee K, Ozgur K, Berkkanoglu M, Bulut H, Isikli A. Reliable single sperm cryopreservation in Cell Sleepers for azoospermia management. Andrologia 2015; 48:203-10. [PMID: 25988980 DOI: 10.1111/and.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional sperm freezing methods perform best when freezing sperm samples containing at least hundreds of spermatozoa. In this severe male factor infertility case series, we examined the reproductive outcomes in 12 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cases where spermatozoa used were frozen in Cell Sleepers. Cell Sleepers are novel devices in which individual spermatozoa can be frozen in microdroplets. The case series included five men with obstructive azoospermia, six with nonobstructive azoospermia and one with cryptozoospermia, in whom microscopic sperm retrievals from testicular sperm extraction (TESE), micro-TESE extracts and a centrifugation procedure resulted in less than 50 spermatozoa. A total of 304 microscopically retrieved spermatozoa were frozen in 20 Cell Sleepers using a rapid manual cryopreservation method. A total of 179 mature oocytes were injected with recovered thawed spermatozoa, resulting in a fertilisation rate of 65.9% (118 of 179), with no total fertilisation failures. In 10 cases, an embryo transfer was performed, three on day 3 and seven on day 5, resulting in a per cycle pregnancy rate of 58.3% (seven of 12). Four of the pregnancies have progressed past 20 gestation weeks. The recovery and use of spermatozoa that were frozen in Cell Sleepers was uncomplicated and effective and eliminated the need to perform any microscopic sperm retrieval procedures on the day of oocyte collection. Modification of the routine sperm cryopreservation methodology to include the use of Cell Sleepers increases the range of sperm samples that can be effectively cryopreserved, to include men with severe male factor fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Coetzee
- Vitale, Kadin Hastalıkları ve Doğum Hastanesi, Antalya, Turkey
| | - K Ozgur
- Antalya IVF, Özel Antalya Tüp Bebek Merkezi, Antalya, Turkey
| | - M Berkkanoglu
- Antalya IVF, Özel Antalya Tüp Bebek Merkezi, Antalya, Turkey
| | - H Bulut
- Antalya IVF, Özel Antalya Tüp Bebek Merkezi, Antalya, Turkey
| | - A Isikli
- Antalya IVF, Özel Antalya Tüp Bebek Merkezi, Antalya, Turkey
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Stein A, Shufaro Y, Hadar S, Fisch B, Pinkas H. Successful use of the Cryolock device for cryopreservation of scarce human ejaculate and testicular spermatozoa. Andrology 2015; 3:220-4. [PMID: 25656321 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The existing methods for cryopreservation of very low count sperm samples are complex and sub-optimal for individual spermatozoa. Our purpose is to establish an effective simple method for cryoprotecting individual spermatozoa. Samples from patients with OTA were mixed with TYB or HEPES-buffered salt solution with glycerol + glucose and placed on a Cryolock that was plunged directly into liquid nitrogen or exposed to its vapors. Thawing was performed by direct immersion into a drop of warmed medium. The favorable method was tested on diluted samples (10-50 cells) and leftover TESE specimens from patients with azoospermia. Cryopreservation was considered successful if >30 spermatozoa, (>3 motile), or >5 spermatozoa (>1 motile) in diluted and TESE samples, were detected post-thawing. A significantly higher survival rate of seminal spermatozoa was obtained when using the Cryolock with TYB and freezing with liquid nitrogen vapor, compared to HEPES glycerol-glucose (95 vs. 35% respectively). Plunging the Cryolock into liquid nitrogen was detrimental. Cryolock combined with TYB cryoprotection and liquid nitrogen vapor freezing was highly effective for cryopreservation of individual spermatozoa in diluted and TESE samples. The Cryolock may serve for freezing very low-count sperm samples and individual spermatozoa. This method offers simplicity, efficacy, use of available materials, without requiring micromanipulation equipment or skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stein
- Sperm Bank, Beilinson's Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Katanbafzadeh H, Barati F, Tabandeh M. A new approach for cryoprotectant-free freezing of goat epididymal spermatozoa. Andrologia 2014; 47:1093-7. [PMID: 25488770 DOI: 10.1111/and.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A cryoprotectant-free method was successfully used for rapid freezing of goat epididymal spermatozoa. Lowering sperm volume may increase the temperature exchange rate and improve the freezing output of spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to compare two different packaging types [0.25 ml French straws (FS) and 96-well immune plate (WIP)] for rapid freezing of goat epididymal spermatozoa. Eleven pairs of the goat testes were transferred to the laboratory; cauda epididymidides were dissected and sliced in TRIS-BSA solution for 15 min and temperature 33-35 °C. Sperm concentration was adjusted to 20 × 10(6) ml(-1), and the suspension was subjected to rapid freezing within FS or WIP. The volume of spermatozoa in WIP method was set at 25 μl. Sperm motility, viability and abnormalities, and sperm DNA integrity were compared between two devices. The results showed similar effectiveness of WIP and FS on post-thaw sperm parameters. In conclusion, for cryoprotectant-free rapid freezing of goat epididymal spermatozoa, it is recommended to use WIP instead of French 0.25 ml straws.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Katanbafzadeh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - F Barati
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - M Tabandeh
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
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Kuznyetsov V, Moskovtsev SI, Crowe M, Lulat AGM, Librach CL. Vitrification of a small number of spermatozoa in normozoospermic and severely oligozoospermic samples. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2014; 61:13-7. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2014.987855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Sharma R, Kattoor AJ, Ghulmiyyah J, Agarwal A. Effect of sperm storage and selection techniques on sperm parameters. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2014; 61:1-12. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2014.976720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Gangrade BK. Cryopreservation of testicular and epididymal sperm: techniques and clinical outcomes of assisted conception. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2013; 68 Suppl 1:131-40. [PMID: 23503963 PMCID: PMC3583152 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2013(sup01)15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of the technique of intracytoplasmic sperm injection to achieve fertilization, especially using surgically retrieved testicular or epididymal sperm from men with obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia, has revolutionized the field of assisted reproduction. The techniques for the retrieval of spermatozoa vary from relatively simple percutaneous sperm aspiration to open excision (testicular biopsy) and the more invasive Micro-TESE. The probability of retrieving spermatozoa can be as high as 100% in men with obstructive azoospermia (congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens, status post-vasectomy). However, in nonobstructive azoospermia, successful sperm retrieval has been reported in 10-100% of cases by various investigators. The surgical retrieval and cryopreservation of sperm, especially in men with non-obstructive azoospermia, to some extent ensures the availability of sperm at the time of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In addition, this strategy can avoid unnecessary ovarian stimulation in those patients intending to undergo in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection with freshly retrieved testicular sperm when an absolute absence of sperm in the testis is identified. Several different methods for the cryopreservation of testicular and epididymal sperm are available. The choice of the container or carrier may be an important consideration and should take into account the number or concentration of the sperm in the final preparation. When the number of sperm in a testicular biopsy sample is extremely low (e.g., 1-20 total sperm available), the use of an evacuated zona pellucida to store the cryopreserved sperm has been shown to be an effective approach.
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Endo Y, Fujii Y, Kurotsuchi S, Motoyama H, Funahashi H. Successful delivery derived from vitrified-warmed spermatozoa from a patient with nonobstructive azoospermia. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:1423-7. [PMID: 22902062 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.07.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the clinical outcomes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with vitrified sperm from patients with severe male factor infertility. DESIGN Retrospective case series. SETTING IVF unit of a medical center. PATIENT(S) Three patients with severe oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). INTERVENTION(S) Cryopreservation of limited numbers of spermatozoa with the use of Cryotop and Cell Sleeper as nonbiologic containers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Four cycles underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with vitrified sperm. RESULT(S) A total of 148 spermatozoa in 18 containers (8.2 sperm per container) were vitrified and 36 of them (5 containers) were warmed. Thirty-three sperm (92%) were retrieved successfully and injected individually into 17 mature oocytes. Fertilization was observed in 12 oocytes (71%), and all zygotes (100%) cleaved. A couple with NOA achieved a singleton pregnancy and concluded with full-term delivery of a healthy boy (2,632 g). CONCLUSION(S) A successful delivery was achieved after transfer of a blastocyst derived from vitrified-warmed spermatozoa. A small number of vitrified sperm cells were used for ICSI to fertilize oocytes with predictable timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Endo
- IVF Center, Kurashiki Medical Clinic, Kurashiki, Japan.
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Desai N, Goldberg J, Austin C, Sabanegh E, Falcone T. Cryopreservation of individually selected sperm: methodology and case report of a clinical pregnancy. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:375-9. [PMID: 22391825 PMCID: PMC3348281 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a new technique for freezing individually isolated spermatazoa from testicular biopsies, epididymal aspirates and oligospermic semen samples METHODS Samples were evaluated for the presence of motile sperm before cryopreservation. Motile or twitching sperm were isolated with an ICSI needle for single sperm cryopreservation. Selected sperm were loaded on the High Security Straw (HSV; Irvine Scientific; Irvine,CA), in ~0.5 µl of fluid to facilitate recovery. The sample was also frozen using conventional methodology in cryovials (100-1000 µl aliquots). In both freezing techniques, the samples were slow cooled. Test-yolk buffer-glycerol (Irvine) was used as the cryoprotectant. Test-thaws were performed to assess sperm recovery and motility. RESULTS Six men with azoospermia had single sperm cryopreservation, as well as freezing aliquots of their testicular or epididymal sperm in traditional cryovials. In addition, two men with oligospermia also had individual sperm selected and frozen. In all 8 cases, the ~0.5 µl of fluid containing sperm was quite easily unloaded from the HSV straw during thawing. The percent sperm recovery ranged from 33% to 100%. Motility was evident in all but one sample. In six cases, the sperm were used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection of mature oocytes. Fertilization occurred in all but one case. In this study, we report the first clinical pregnancy with this technique. This pregnancy was remarkable in that a single motile sperm identified and selected in the initial testicular preparation was successfully frozen. We were able to subsequently recover this sperm, fertilize an oocyte and the resultant embryo gave rise to a live birth. The methodology described in this preliminary report offers a new modality for sequestering small numbers of sperm. It may be particularly useful in cases involving severe impairment of spermatogenesis, where extensive screening may be necessary to find a few viable sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Desai
- Department of OB-GYN, Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center, Beachwood, OH, USA.
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Human Sperm Cryopreservation: Update on Techniques, Effect on DNA Integrity, and Implications for ART. Adv Urol 2011; 2012:854837. [PMID: 22194740 PMCID: PMC3238352 DOI: 10.1155/2012/854837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa-introduced in the 1960's-has been recognized as an efficient procedure for management of male fertility before therapy for malignant diseases, vasectomy or surgical infertility treatments, to store donor and partner spermatozoa before assisted reproduction treatments and to ensure the recovery of a small number of spermatozoa in severe male factor infertility. Despite the usefulness of it, cryopreservation may lead to deleterious changes of sperm structure and function: while the effects of cryopreservation on cells are well documented, to date there is no agreement in the literature on whether or not cryopreservation affects sperm chromatin integrity or on the use of a unique and functional protocol for the freezing-thawing procedure. Therefore, sperm cryopreservation is an important component of fertility management and much of its successful application seems to affect the reproductive outcome of assisted reproduction technologies (ART): appropriate use of cryoprotectants before and sperm selection technologies after cryopreservation seem to have the greatest impact on preventing DNA fragmentation, thus improving sperm cryosurvival rates.
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Fode M, Krogh-Jespersen S, Brackett NL, Ohl DA, Lynne CM, Sønksen J. Male sexual dysfunction and infertility associated with neurological disorders. Asian J Androl 2011; 14:61-8. [PMID: 22138899 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal sexual and reproductive functions depend largely on neurological mechanisms. Neurological defects in men can cause infertility through erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and semen abnormalities. Among the major conditions contributing to these symptoms are pelvic and retroperitoneal surgery, diabetes, congenital spinal abnormalities, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Erectile dysfunction can be managed by an increasingly invasive range of treatments including medications, injection therapy and the surgical insertion of a penile implant. Retrograde ejaculation is managed by medications to reverse the condition in mild cases and in bladder harvest of semen after ejaculation in more severe cases. Anejaculation might also be managed by medication in mild cases while assisted ejaculatory techniques including penile vibratory stimulation and electroejaculation are used in more severe cases. If these measures fail, surgical sperm retrieval can be attempted. Ejaculation with penile vibratory stimulation can be done by some spinal cord injured men and their partners at home, followed by in-home insemination if circumstances and sperm quality are adequate. The other options always require assisted reproductive techniques including intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The method of choice depends largely on the number of motile sperm in the ejaculate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Fode
- Department of Urology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Endo Y, Fujii Y, Shintani K, Seo M, Motoyama H, Funahashi H. Simple vitrification for small numbers of human spermatozoa. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 24:301-7. [PMID: 22285239 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Conventional freezing procedures and containers are not appropriate for spermatozoa from the testis because of their low number and poor in-situ motility, and various types of container have been utilized to freeze small numbers of spermatozoa. This study tried to develop a vitrification method for small numbers of spermatozoa using the Cell Sleeper, which is a closed type of cell-cryopreservation container. The container with spermatozoa were cooled in liquid nitrogen vapour and then stored in a cryotank. Sperm motility parameters improved significantly (P < 0.05) by vitrification in oil-free droplets rather than in droplets covered with oil. After vitrification of five spermatozoa per container, all spermatozoa were recovered and the viable sperm rate was significantly higher when spermatozoa were vitrified in a 3.5-ll droplet rather than in 0.5 ll (72.0% versus 38.0%; P < 0.01). Recovery, motility and viability rates of vitrified–warmed spermatozoa were similar between the Cell Sleeper and the CryoTop groups. In conclusion, the Cell Sleeper is a highly effective tool for the cryopreservation of small numbers of spermatozoa and limited cells can be vitrified quickly and simply without significant loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Endo
- IVF Center, Kurashiki Medical Clinic, 250-1, Bakurocho, Kurashiki 710-8522, Japan.
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Peng QP, Cao SF, Lyu QF, Xue SG, Jin W, Liu XY, Zhang WJ, Nielsen HI, Kuang YP. A novel method for cryopreservation of individual human spermatozoa. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2011; 47:565-72. [PMID: 21638160 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-011-9428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop a novel method for the cryopreservation and efficient post-thaw recovery of individual or small numbers of human spermatozoa. Spermatozoa equilibrated in cryoprotectant buffer were injected with an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) needle into a droplet of cryoprotectant on a homemade cryoleaf. The droplet was of cryoprotectant and seminal plasma at a ratio of 1:1. The sperm-loaded cryoleaf was slowly lowered over and stored in liquid nitrogen. Spermatozoa were thawed in a 37°C oil bath without dilution and centrifugation. To test the fertilizing ability of these spermatozoa, the recovered spermatozoa were injected by ICSI into 1-d-old or in vitro-matured human oocytes. Fresh spermatozoa from the same semen samples served as controls. The trials were performed in two separate experiments. In the first set of experiments, 92 spermatozoa were thawed and carefully investigated. The spermatozoa from percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration had a motility recovery of 92.9% (13/14); ejaculated spermatozoa had a motility recovery of 61.5% (48/78), and only 1.3% (1/78) was lost. Together in the first and second set of experiments, the fertilization rates for the fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa were 67.6% (25/37) and 60.6% (40/66), respectively (P = 0.052). The mean embryo cleavage rates in the fresh and frozen-thawed groups were 88% (22/25) and 85% (34/40), respectively (P = 0.990). This cryopreservation method for individual or small numbers of human spermatozoa was efficient and simple. These findings make this method a promising technique for the clinical application of ejaculated sperm from oligozoospermic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Ping Peng
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 ZhiZaoJu Road, 200011, Shanghai, China.
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Gupta S, Agarwal A, Sharma R, Ahmady A. Recovery, Preparation, Storage and Utilization of Spermatozoa for Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients and Sub-Fertile Men. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1177/205891581000100204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is an important part of an infertility program for patients undergoing infertility treatments, fertility assurance for vasectomy cases, and for fertility preservation due to cancer or other medical conditions. With recent developments in reproductive technology, even men with severely impaired sperm parameters can benefit from cryopreservation as procedures such as intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) require only a few sperm to achieve fertilization and pregnancy. The increasing success of cancer treatment and concerted efforts to ensure quality of life after successful treatment have placed great emphasis on the need to preserve the reproductive capability of young men. It is a highly effective method of protecting male fertility potential, and involves collection, freezing, and long-term storage of sperm. Based on the etiological condition of the patients, sperm can be collected by ejaculation or by surgical retrieval from epididymis or testes. The option to bank sperm should be offered systematically to all patients who may benefit. However, this is not a standard of practice yet; it may be overlooked due to lack of physician awareness regarding the need for fertility preservation and the effectiveness of this option, and/or overestimating the limitations of poor baseline sperm quality leading physician to view cryopreservation as futile. Failure to offer cryopreservation ignores the only possible reproductive option available to certain patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal Gupta
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, & Obstetrics and Gynaecology & Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, & Obstetrics and Gynaecology & Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Reecha Sharma
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, & Obstetrics and Gynaecology & Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ali Ahmady
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- MacDonald IVF and Fertility program, University Hospitals Case Medical Centre, Cleveland, OH
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Successful pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with testicular spermatozoa transported only under refrigeration. Reprod Med Biol 2010; 9:173-177. [PMID: 29699340 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-010-0053-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2009] [Accepted: 04/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This case report describes two successful pregnancies after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with testicular spermatozoa that were transported under refrigeration. Methods Two first-time couples consulted our clinic concerned about their primary infertility. No sperm were present in the semen samples from either of the husbands and they were referred to the urology department (UD) of a neighbouring hospital. At the UD, seminiferous tubules were obtained by testicular sperm extraction. The tissue samples were put in a centrifuge tube with phosphate-buffered saline at 6°C and placed with refrigerant in a cushioned styrofoam box that was then transported to our clinic. Immediately upon arrival at our clinic, testicular spermatozoa were extracted. On the same day, ovum pickup was performed and mature oocytes were extracted that were then inseminated by conventional ICSI. Fertilized eggs were cultured for 2 days, and then cleaved embryos were cryopreserved. In one case after 4 months and in the other case after 2 months of cryopreservation, the frozen-thawed embryos were transferred. Result Both patients became pregnant and normal, healthy babies were born. Conclusions These results suggest that cases of obstructive azoospermia can be treated with ICSI by refrigerated transport of the seminiferous tubules, in cooperation with a UD, in a small single departmental obstetrics and gynecology clinic.
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Montag M, Rink K, Dieckmann U, Delacrétaz G, Ven H. Laser-assisted cryopreservation of single human spermatozoa in cell-free zona pellucida. Andrologia 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1999.tb02842.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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50
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Evaluation of human sperm function after being cryopreserved within the zona pellucida. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:1002-1008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.07.1737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2008] [Revised: 07/05/2008] [Accepted: 07/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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