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Shrivastav AM, Ali N, Singh N, Lunenfeld E, Abdulhalim I, Huleihel M. Identification of spermatogenesis in individual seminiferous tubules and testicular tissue of adult normal and busulfan-treated mice employing Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 315:124232. [PMID: 38593538 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The present study aims to identify spermatogenesis in testicular seminiferous tubules (ST) and testicular tissue of adult normal and busulfan-treated mice utilizing PCA and Raman spectroscopy. Raman measurements were conducted on single tubules and testes samples from adult and immature mice, comparing them with those from busulfan-treated adult mice, with validation through histological examination. The analysis revealed a higher signal variability (30 %-40 % at the peaks), prompting scrutiny of individual Raman spectra as a means of spermatogenesis measurement. However, principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated significant cluster separation between the ST of mature and immature mice. Similar investigations were performed to compare ST from normal mature mice and those from busulfan-treated (BS-treated) mature mice, revealing substantial separation along PC1 and PC2 for all comparison sets. Additionally, comparing testicular samples from mature and immature mice revealed distinct separation in PCA. The study concludes that the combined approach of PCA and Raman spectroscopy proves to be a noninvasive and potentially valuable method for identifying spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules and testicular samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand M Shrivastav
- Department of Electrooptics and Photonics Engineering, ECE School, Ilse-Kats Nanoscale Science and Technology Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulthar, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Nagham Ali
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Neetika Singh
- Department of Electrooptics and Photonics Engineering, ECE School, Ilse-Kats Nanoscale Science and Technology Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | | | - Ibrahim Abdulhalim
- Department of Electrooptics and Photonics Engineering, ECE School, Ilse-Kats Nanoscale Science and Technology Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel.
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Abramczyk H, Sobkiewicz B, Walczak-Jędrzejowska R, Marchlewska K, Surmacki J. Decoding the role of cytochrome c in metabolism of human spermatozoa by Raman imaging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:983993. [PMID: 36506104 PMCID: PMC9732575 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.983993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal functioning of sperm cells requires cytochrome c in the redox balanced forms: reduced and oxidized. The oxidized form of cytochrome c is localized in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and is a part of the electron transport chain. This ensures that electron shuttling between the complex III, cytochrome c, and complex IV can occur leading to controlled effective oxidative phosphorylation (respiration) and ATP production needed for most steps in spermatozoal maturation, motility, hyperactivation and fertilization. We studied the biochemical composition of specific organelles in sperm cells by Raman imaging. The structures of the head consisting of the nucleus and acrosome, the midpiece representing mitochondria, and the tail characterized by the sperm axoneme surrounded by outer dense fiber and covered by the membrane were measured. Metabolic biochemical analysis of mitochondria, head and tail of sperm cells, and seminal plasma by using Raman imaging combined with chemometric classification method of Cluster Analysis has been obtained. Our results show that cytochrome c, which is a key protein that is needed to maintain life (respiration) and cell death (apoptosis), is located in sperm mitochondria in the oxidized or reduced form of the heme group. This work demonstrated that an application of Raman micro-spectroscopy can be extended to monitoring the redox state of mitochondrial cytochrome c in sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Abramczyk
- Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Laboratory of Laser Molecular Spectroscopy, Lodz, Poland,*Correspondence: Halina Abramczyk, ; Jakub Surmacki,
| | | | | | - Katarzyna Marchlewska
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Surmacki
- Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Laboratory of Laser Molecular Spectroscopy, Lodz, Poland,*Correspondence: Halina Abramczyk, ; Jakub Surmacki,
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Zhang F, Tan Y, Ding J, Cao D, Gong Y, Zhang Y, Yang J, Yin T. Application and Progress of Raman Spectroscopy in Male Reproductive System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:823546. [PMID: 35096844 PMCID: PMC8791646 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.823546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy is a fast-developing, unmarked, non-invasive, non-destructive technique which allows for real-time scanning and sampling of biological samples in situ, reflecting the subtle biochemical composition alterations of tissues and cells through the variations of spectra. It has great potential to identify pathological tissue and provide intraoperative assistance in clinic. Raman spectroscopy has made many exciting achievements in the study of male reproductive system. In this review, we summarized literatures about the application and progress of Raman spectroscopy in male reproductive system from PubMed and Ovid databases, using MeSH terms associated to Raman spectroscopy, prostate, testis, seminal plasma and sperm. The existing challenges and development opportunities were also discussed and prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinli Ding
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dishuang Cao
- College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanan Gong
- College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Sperm Selection for ICSI: Do We Have a Winner? Cells 2021; 10:cells10123566. [PMID: 34944074 PMCID: PMC8700516 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the aim of sperm cells’ preparation is to select competent spermatozoa with the highest fertilization potential and in this context, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) represents the most applied technique for fertilization. This makes the process of identifying the perfect spermatozoa extremely important. A number of methods have now been developed to mimic some of the natural selection processes that exist in the female reproductive tract. Although many studies have been conducted to identify the election technique, many doubts and disagreements still remain. In this review, we will discuss all the sperm cell selection techniques currently available for ICSI, starting from the most basic methodologies and continuing with those techniques suitable for sperm cells with reduced motility. Furthermore, different techniques that exploit some sperm membrane characteristics and the most advanced strategy for sperm selection based on microfluidics, will be examined. Finally, a new sperm selection method based on a micro swim-up directly on the ICSI dish will be analyzed. Eventually, advantages and disadvantages of each technique will be debated, trying to draw reasonable conclusions on their efficacy in order to establish the gold standard method.
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Label-Free Evaluation of Chromatin Condensation in Human Normal Morphology Sperm Using Raman Spectroscopy. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2527-2539. [PMID: 33877640 PMCID: PMC8346437 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin condensation is one of the main factors essential for sperm function. Evaluation of chromatin condensation by current methods render the assessed sperm unsuitable for assisted reproduction. We examined the Raman spectra of normal morphology sperm to determine whether a non-invasive confocal Raman spectroscopy can detect spectral differences between groups having different levels of chromatin condensation. Semen samples from 85 donors who underwent ICSI were obtained. Chromomycin A3, aniline blue and acridine orange staining were performed to evaluate the protamine deficiency, histone retention and DNA fragmentation respectively. Raman spectra were obtained from 50 normal morphology sperm for each donor. Spectral analysis was performed using home written programs in LabVIEW software and samples were grouped based on chromomycin A3 staining. Raman peaks intensities at 670 cm-1, 731 cm-1, 785 cm-1, 858 cm-1, 1062 cm-1, 1098 cm-1, 1185 cm-1, 1372 cm-1, 1424 cm-1, 1450 cm-1, 1532 cm-1, 1618 cm-1 and 1673 cm-1 were significantly correlated with at least one of the sperm staining methods. The median intensity of the Raman peaks at 670 cm-1, 731 cm-1, 785 cm-1, 1062 cm-1, 1098 cm-1, 1185 cm-1, 1372 cm-1, 1424 cm-1, 1450 cm-1, 1532 cm-1, 1618 cm-1 and 1673 cm-1 show a significant difference between the CMA3≤41 and CMA3>41groups. The Raman spectroscopic measurements represent a promising diagnostic tool that has the ability to label-free detect sperm with chromatin abnormalities, such as improper chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation to a certain degree similar to that of the existing staining techniques at the individual cell level.
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Pachetti M, Zupin L, Venturin I, Mitri E, Boscolo R, D’Amico F, Vaccari L, Crovella S, Ricci G, Pascolo L. FTIR Spectroscopy to Reveal Lipid and Protein Changes Induced on Sperm by Capacitation: Bases for an Improvement of Sample Selection in ART. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228659. [PMID: 33212829 PMCID: PMC7698301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although being a crucial step for Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) success, to date sperm selection is based only on morphology, motility and concentration characteristics. Considering the many possible alterations, there is a great need for analytical approaches allowing more effective sperm selections. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) may represent an interesting possibility, being able to reveal many macromolecular changes in a single measurement in a nondestructive way. As a proof of concept, in this observational study, we used a FTIR approach to reveal features related to sperm quality and chemical changes promoted by in vitro capacitation. We found indication that α-helix content is increased in capacitated sperm, while high percentages of the β-structures seem to correlate to poor-quality spermatozoa. The most interesting observation was related to the lipid composition, when measured as CH2/CH3 vibrations (ratio 2853/2870), which resulted in being strongly influenced by capacitation and well correlated with sperm motility. Interestingly, this ratio is higher than 1 in infertile samples, suggesting that motility is related to sperm membranes stiffness and lipid composition. Although further analyses are requested, our results support the concept that FTIR can be proposed as a new smart diagnostic tool for semen quality assessment in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pachetti
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 2, 34143 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.Z.); (R.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Irene Venturin
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Elisa Mitri
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Rita Boscolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.Z.); (R.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Francesco D’Amico
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14—km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.P.); (I.V.); (E.M.); (F.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Qatar, P.O. Box 2713 Doha, Qatar;
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.Z.); (R.B.); (G.R.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.Z.); (R.B.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-378-5526
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Pedrosa ML, Furtado MH, Ferreira MCF, Carneiro MM. Sperm selection in IVF: the long and winding road from bench to bedside. JBRA Assist Reprod 2020; 24:332-339. [PMID: 32155013 PMCID: PMC7365522 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa wage battle to conquer fertilization but the traits needed to succeed remain elusive. The natural advantageous qualities that enable only a few selected sperm cells to reach the site of fertilization remain unknown. Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) facilitates the job of spermatozoa, a universally acceptable means of sperm selection is yet to be developed. No objective or reliable sperm quality indicators have been established and sperm selection is, to a great extent, based on subjective qualitative evaluation. The best method for sperm selection in IVF presents several challenges: intrinsic sperm qualities cannot be evaluated and the ideal endpoint for these studies is debatable. An ideal method for sperm selection in ART should be noninvasive and cost-effective, and allow the identification of high-quality spermatozoa and yield better outcomes in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates. This narrative review included 85 papers and focused on the new available methods and technologies that might shed some light on sperm selection in IVF. It discusses the available data on microfluidic devices, omics profiling, micronuclei studies, sperm plasma membrane markers, and other techniques, such as Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS), Raman micro-spectroscopy, and artificial intelligence systems. The new techniques herein reviewed offer fresh approaches to an old problem, for which a definite solution has yet to cross the bridge from bench to IVF clinics around the world, since clinical usefulness and application remain unproven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisa Lucia Pedrosa
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Hospital MATER DEI, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia e Obstetrícia da Faculdade de Medicina da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Cristina França Ferreira
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Hospital MATER DEI, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia e Obstetrícia da Faculdade de Medicina da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Mendonça Carneiro
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Hospital MATER DEI, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia e Obstetrícia da Faculdade de Medicina da UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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8
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Determination of cadmium induced acute and chronic reproductive toxicity with Raman spectroscopy. Lasers Med Sci 2020; 35:1919-1926. [PMID: 32026165 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-020-02976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the toxic heavy metals which is confirmed to be related to male sterile. Here, confocal Raman spectroscopy was employed to detect biomolecular composition and changes in testis under acute and chronic Cd treatment. Specific Raman shifts associated with mitochondria, nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and cholesterol were identified which were distinguishing among groups undergoing different Cd treatment times. Supporting evidences were provided by conventional experimental detections. The relevant biochemical parameters, pathological changes, and protein expression related to testosterone synthesis were all changed and consistent with Raman spectrum information. In conclusion, confocal Raman spectroscopy presents a reliable data and provides a novel method which is expected to be a promising strategy in reproduction toxicity research.
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Pereira VR, Pereira DR, de Melo Tavares Vieira KC, Ribas VP, Constantino CJL, Antunes PA, Favareto APA. Sperm quality of rats exposed to difenoconazole using classical parameters and surface-enhanced Raman scattering: classification performance by machine learning methods. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:35253-35265. [PMID: 31701422 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06407-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Difenoconazole is a fungicide extensively used in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of difenoconazole fungicide on the sperm quality of rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control and exposed to 5 (D5), 10 (D10), or 50 mg-1 kg bw-1day (D50) of difenoconazole for 30 days, by gavage. Classical sperm parameters and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) were performed. Progressive motility, acrosomal integrity, and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were reduced in the D10 and D50 groups in comparison with the control group. Sperm viability was reduced only in the D50 group. Sperm number in the testis and caput/corpus epididymis and daily sperm production were reduced in the three exposed groups. SERS measurements showed changes in the spectra of spermatozoa from D50 group, suggesting DNA damage. In addition, machine learning (ML) methods were used to evaluate the performance of three classification algorithms (artificial neural network-ANN, K-nearest neighbors-K-NN, and support vector machine-SVM) in the identification task of the groups exposed to difenoconazole. The results obtained by ML algorithms were very promising with accuracy ≥ 90% and validated the hypothesis of the exposure to difenoconazole reduces sperm quality. In conclusion, exposure of rats to different doses of the fungicide difenoconazole may impair sperm quality, with a recognizable classification pattern of exposure groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Ribas Pereira
- Graduate Program in Environment and Regional Development, University of Western São Paulo - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, CEP. 19.067-175, Brazil
| | - Danillo Roberto Pereira
- Graduate Program in Environment and Regional Development, University of Western São Paulo - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, CEP. 19.067-175, Brazil
| | - Kátia Cristina de Melo Tavares Vieira
- Graduate Program in Environment and Regional Development, University of Western São Paulo - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, CEP. 19.067-175, Brazil
| | - Vitor Pereira Ribas
- College of Science, Letters and Education from Presidente Prudente - FACLEPP, University of Western São Paulo - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, CEP. 19.067-175, Brazil
| | - Carlos José Leopoldo Constantino
- School of Technology and Applied Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Presidente Prudente, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alexandra Antunes
- College of Science, Letters and Education from Presidente Prudente - FACLEPP, University of Western São Paulo - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, CEP. 19.067-175, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Alves Favareto
- Graduate Program in Environment and Regional Development, University of Western São Paulo - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, CEP. 19.067-175, Brazil.
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Vaughan DA, Sakkas D. Sperm selection methods in the 21st century. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:1076-1082. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Natural sperm selection in humans is a rigorous process resulting in the highest quality sperm reaching, and having an opportunity to fertilize, the oocyte. Relative to other mammalian species, the human ejaculate consists of a heterogeneous pool of sperm, varying in characteristics such as shape, size, and motility. Semen preparation in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has long been performed using either a simple swim-up method or density gradients. Both methodologies provide highly motile sperm populations; however neither replicates the complex selection processes seen in nature. A number of methods have now been developed to mimic some of the natural selection processes that exist in the female reproductive tract. These methods attempt to select a better individual, or population of, spermatozoa when compared to classical methods of preparation. Of the approaches already tested, platforms based upon sperm membrane markers, such as hyaluronan or annexin V, have been used to either select or deselect sperm with varied success. One technology that utilizes the size, motility, and other characteristics of sperm to improve both semen analysis and sperm selection is microfluidics. Here, we sought to review the efficacy of both available and emerging techniques that aim to improve the quality of the sperm pool available for use in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis A Vaughan
- Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Da Costa R, Amaral S, Redmann K, Kliesch S, Schlatt S. Spectral features of nuclear DNA in human sperm assessed by Raman Microspectroscopy: Effects of UV-irradiation and hydration. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207786. [PMID: 30458032 PMCID: PMC6245842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Raman Microspectroscopy represents an innovative tool for the assessment of sperm biochemical features otherwise undetectable by routine semen analysis. Previously, it was shown that induced DNA damage can be detected in smeared sperm by this technique. This novel readout may be of value for clinical settings especially if it can be transferred to living cells. Yet, starting with living sperms this study was carried-out using a variety of conditions to disclose the Raman features of sperm nuclei under different hydration conditions and UV exposure. Human sperm were immobilized and Raman spectra were obtained from individual sperm as repeated measurements. To create conditions with controlled DNA damage, sperm samples were exposed to ultraviolet light. Several media were used to evaluate their effect on Raman spectra in aqueous conditions. To substantiate differences between the experimental conditions, the spectra were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis. We observed that spectra of sperm nuclei obtained in different solutions showed a qualitatively unchanged spectral pattern showing the principal signals related to DNA. Evaluating the effect of ultraviolet light generated the finding that spectra representing DNA damage were only observed in dry conditions but not in aqueous medium. Thus, Raman microspectroscopy was successfully applied for sperm analysis in different conditions, among them in live spermatozoa in aqueous solution during the initial measurement, revealing the principle use of this technique. However, implementation of Raman spectroscopy as a technique for clinical sperm analysis and selection may be especially relevant when DNA evaluation can be established using live sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Da Costa
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Amaral
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Klaus Redmann
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- * E-mail:
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