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Banti M, Van Zyl E, Kafetzis D. Sperm Preparation with Microfluidic Sperm Sorting Chip May Improve Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes Compared to Density Gradient Centrifugation. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1695-1704. [PMID: 38393626 PMCID: PMC11111481 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01483-1] [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] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Does sperm preparation using the FERTILE PLUS™ Sperm Sorting Chip improve fertilization rates, blastocyst formation, utilization, and euploidy rates in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), compared with density gradient centrifugation (DGC)? A single-cohort, retrospective data review including data from 53 couples who underwent ICSI cycles within a 12-month period. For each couple, the two closest, consecutive cycles were identified, where one used the standard technique of sperm preparation (DGC) and the subsequent used FERTILE PLUS™, therefore, couples acted as their own controls. Paired samples t-test was used to compare means for the outcomes (fertilization, blastocyst formation, utilization, and euploidy rates). Binary logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between female age, the presence of male factor infertility, and euploidy rates. Blastocyst, utilization, and euploidy rates were significantly higher for cycles using FERTILE PLUS™ compared to DGC (76% vs 56%, p = 0.002; 60% vs 41%, p = 0.005, and 40% vs 20%, p = 0.001, respectively). Although there was an increase in fertilization rates for cycles using FERTILE PLUS™, this was not significant (72% vs 68%, p = 0.449). The euploidy rates of females ≤ 35 years were significantly increased when the FERTILE PLUS™ sperm preparation method was used, compared to the older age group (OR 2.31, p = 0.007). No significant association was found between the presence or absence of male factor infertility and euploidy rates between the two cycles. This study provides tentative evidence that the FERTILE PLUS™ microfluidic sorting device for sperm selection can improve blastocyst formation, utilization, and euploidy rates following ICSI in comparison to the DGC method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Banti
- Orchid Reproductive & Andrology Services, Dubai Healthcare City, Unit 4016, Block E, Al Razi Bldg #64, Dubai, UAE.
| | - Estee Van Zyl
- Orchid Reproductive & Andrology Services, Dubai Healthcare City, Unit 4016, Block E, Al Razi Bldg #64, Dubai, UAE
| | - Dimitrios Kafetzis
- Orchid Reproductive & Andrology Services, Dubai Healthcare City, Unit 4016, Block E, Al Razi Bldg #64, Dubai, UAE
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2
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Tiwari P, Yadav A, Kaushik M, Dada R. Cancer risk and male Infertility: Unravelling predictive biomarkers and prognostic indicators. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 558:119670. [PMID: 38614420 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119670] [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] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a global increase in cases of male infertility. There are about 30 million cases of male infertility worldwide and male reproductive health is showing rapid decline in last few decades. It is now recognized as a potential risk factor for developing certain types of cancer, particularly genitourinary malignancies like testicular and prostate cancer. Male infertility is considered a potential indicator of overall health and an early biomarker for cancer. Cases of unexplained male factor infertility have high levels of oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage and this induces both denovo germ line mutations and epimutations due to build up of 8-hydroxy 2 deoxygunaosine abase which is highly mutagenic and also induces hypomethylation and genomic instability. Consequently, there is growing evidence to explore the various factors contributing to an increased cancer risk. Currently, the available prognostic and predictive biomarkers associated with semen characteristics and cancer risk are limited but gaining significant attention in clinical research for the diagnosis and treatment of elevated cancer risk in the individual and in offspring. The male germ cell being transcriptionally and translationally inert has a highly truncated repair mechanism and has minimal antioxidants and thus most vulnerable to oxidative injury due to environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyle and social habits. Therefore, advancing our understanding requires a thorough evaluation of the pathophysiologic mechanisms at the DNA, RNA, protein, and metabolite levels to identify key biomarkers that may underlie the pathogenesis of male infertility and associated cancer. Advanced methodologies such as genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics stand at the forefront of cutting-edge approaches for discovering novel biomarkers, spanning from infertility to associated cancer types. Henceforth, in this review, we aim to assess the role and potential of recently identified predictive and prognostic biomarkers, offering insights into the success of assisted reproductive technologies, causes of azoospermia and idiopathic infertility, the impact of integrated holistic approach and lifestyle modifications, and the monitoring of cancer susceptibility, initiation and progression. Comprehending these biomarkers is crucial for providing comprehensive counselling to infertile men and cancer patients, along with their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhakar Tiwari
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India.
| | - Anjali Yadav
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Meenakshi Kaushik
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India.
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Bouloorchi Tabalvandani M, Saeidpour Z, Habibi Z, Javadizadeh S, Firoozabadi SA, Badieirostami M. Microfluidics as an emerging paradigm for assisted reproductive technology: A sperm separation perspective. Biomed Microdevices 2024; 26:23. [PMID: 38652182 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-024-00705-2] [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] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people are subject to infertility worldwide and one in every six people, regardless of gender, experiences infertility at some period in their life, according to the World Health Organization. Assisted reproductive technologies are defined as a set of procedures that can address the infertility issue among couples, culminating in the alleviation of the condition. However, the costly conventional procedures of assisted reproduction and the inherent vagaries of the processes involved represent a setback for its successful implementation. Microfluidics, an emerging tool for processing low-volume samples, have recently started to play a role in infertility diagnosis and treatment. Given its host of benefits, including manipulating cells at the microscale, repeatability, automation, and superior biocompatibility, microfluidics have been adopted for various procedures in assisted reproduction, ranging from sperm sorting and analysis to more advanced processes such as IVF-on-a-chip. In this review, we try to adopt a more holistic approach and cover different uses of microfluidics for a variety of applications, specifically aimed at sperm separation and analysis. We present various sperm separation microfluidic techniques, categorized as natural and non-natural methods. A few of the recent developments in on-chip fertilization are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Saeidpour
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
| | - Zahra Habibi
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
| | - Saeed Javadizadeh
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmadreza Firoozabadi
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran
| | - Majid Badieirostami
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran.
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Czétány P, Balló A, Márk L, Török A, Szántó Á, Máté G. An Alternative Application of Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting: CD45 and CD235a Based Purification of Semen and Testicular Tissue Samples. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3627. [PMID: 38612438 PMCID: PMC11011735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) is a well-known sperm selection technique, which is able to remove apoptotic spermatozoa from semen samples using the classic annexinV based method. Leukocytes and erythrocytes in semen samples or in testicular tissue processed for in vitro fertilization (IVF) could exert detrimental effects on sperm. In the current study, we rethought the aforementioned technique and used magnetic microbeads conjugated with anti-CD45/CD235a antibodies to eliminate contaminating leukocytes and erythrocytes from leukocytospermic semen samples and testicular tissue samples gained via testicular sperm extraction (TESE). With this technique, a 15.7- and a 30.8-fold reduction could be achieved in the ratio of leukocytes in semen and in the number of erythrocytes in TESE samples, respectively. Our results show that MACS is a method worth to reconsider, with more potential alternative applications. Investigations to find molecules labeling high-quality sperm population and the development of positive selection procedures based on these might be a direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Czétány
- Urology Clinic, University of Pécs Clinical Centre, 7621 Pécs, Hungary; (P.C.); (A.B.); (G.M.)
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - András Balló
- Urology Clinic, University of Pécs Clinical Centre, 7621 Pécs, Hungary; (P.C.); (A.B.); (G.M.)
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Pannon Reproduction Institute, 8300 Tapolca, Hungary;
| | - László Márk
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pécs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Török
- Pannon Reproduction Institute, 8300 Tapolca, Hungary;
| | - Árpád Szántó
- Urology Clinic, University of Pécs Clinical Centre, 7621 Pécs, Hungary; (P.C.); (A.B.); (G.M.)
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Gábor Máté
- Urology Clinic, University of Pécs Clinical Centre, 7621 Pécs, Hungary; (P.C.); (A.B.); (G.M.)
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Pannon Reproduction Institute, 8300 Tapolca, Hungary;
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Bouloorchi Tabalvandani M, Javadizadeh S, Badieirostami M. Bio-inspired progressive motile sperm separation using joint rheotaxis and boundary-following behavior. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1636-1647. [PMID: 38284817 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00893b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Infertility, as a daunting ever-increasing challenge, poses a worldwide issue to both couples and the healthcare sector. According to the World Health Organization, half of infertility cases are attributed to male factor infertility, either partly or completely. Semen parameters of concern including sperm count, morphology, and motility are deemed to play a vital role in the insemination process. Density gradient centrifugation, being a clinically established procedure for improving on the mentioned parameters, has long been proven to inflict damage on the DNA content of the sperm cells, inducing DNA fragmentation. Herein, a bio-inspired microfluidic device is proposed that capitalizes on the geometry of the uterotubal junction (UTJ) of the female reproductive tract, which can act as a rheological barrier. The device leverages sperm rheotaxis and boundary-following behavior which have been considered as major migratory mechanisms used by sperm during the fertilization process in the female body. The device consists of a series of parallel channels that guide progressive motile sperms into the main sorting channel, where the hydrodynamic barriers created by two consecutive UTJ-like constrictions select sperms based on their propulsive velocity and linearity of motion. The sequential sorting employed here allows for the fractionation of the sperm population into two subpopulations with varying degrees of motility. Both sorted populations showed a significant increase in straight line velocity, reaching 63.4 ± 14.4 μm s-1 and 74 ± 13.8 μm s-1 in the first and second pools, respectively from 35.2 ± 27.2 μm s-1 in raw semen. Additionally, sorted populations demonstrated over 30% reduction in DNA fragmentation index, an indication that the proposed device selects for undamaged sperms with high quality. Apart from the biological superiority of the sorted sperms, this device presents itself as an easy and clinically-applicable method for the separation of progressive motile sperms, while at the same time, benefiting from a straightforward procedure for sperm retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saeed Javadizadeh
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Badieirostami
- MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Hungerford AJ, Bakos HW, Aitken RJ. Addition of Vitamin C Mitigates the Loss of Antioxidant Capacity, Vitality and DNA Integrity in Cryopreserved Human Semen Samples. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:247. [PMID: 38397845 PMCID: PMC10885938 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is a necessity for males suffering from infertility who cannot produce fresh semen for insemination. However, current ART cryopreservation protocols are associated with losses of sperm motility, vitality and DNA integrity, which are thought to be linked to the induction of oxidative damage and the toxic properties of commercial cryoprotectants (CPAs). Preventing or mitigating these losses would be hugely beneficial to sperm survival during ART. Therefore, in this in vitro investigation, lipid peroxidation, production of reactive oxygen species, movement characteristics, antioxidant capacity, vitality, and DNA integrity were examined in semen samples both pre- and post-cryopreservation with CPA supplementation. The findings revealed a 50% reduction in antioxidant capacity with CPA addition, which was accompanied by significant increases in generation of reactive oxygen species and formation of lipid aldehydes. These changes were, in turn, correlated with reductions in sperm viability, motility and DNA integrity. Antioxidant supplementation generated bell-shaped dose-response curves with both resveratrol and vitamin C, emphasising the vulnerability of these cells to both oxidative and reductive stress. At the optimal dose, vitamin C was able to significantly enhance vitality and reduce DNA damage recorded in cryopreserved human spermatozoa. An improvement in sperm motility did not reach statistical significance, possibly because additional pathophysiological mechanisms limit the potential effectiveness of antioxidants in rescuing this aspect of sperm function. The vulnerability of human spermatozoa to reductive stress and the complex nature of sperm cryoinjury will present major challenges in creating the next generation of cryoprotective media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena J. Hungerford
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environmental Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.J.H.); (H.W.B.)
| | - Hassan W. Bakos
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environmental Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.J.H.); (H.W.B.)
- Memphasys Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2140, Australia
| | - Robert J. Aitken
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environmental Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.J.H.); (H.W.B.)
- Memphasys Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2140, Australia
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Vafaie A, Raveshi MR, Devendran C, Nosrati R, Neild A. Making immotile sperm motile using high-frequency ultrasound. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk2864. [PMID: 38354240 PMCID: PMC10866541 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk2864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Sperm motility is a natural selection with a crucial role in both natural and assisted reproduction. Common methods for increasing sperm motility are by using chemicals that cause embryotoxicity, and the multistep washing requirements of these methods lead to sperm DNA damage. We propose a rapid and noninvasive mechanotherapy approach for increasing the motility of human sperm cells by using ultrasound operating at 800 mW and 40 MHz. Single-cell analysis of sperm cells, facilitated by droplet microfluidics, shows that exposure to ultrasound leads to up to 266% boost to motility parameters of relatively immotile sperm, and as a result, 72% of these immotile sperm are graded as progressive after exposure, with a swimming velocity greater than 5 micrometer per second. These promising results offer a rapid and noninvasive clinical method for improving the motility of sperm cells in the most challenging assisted reproduction cases to replace intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with less invasive treatments and to improve assisted reproduction outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Vafaie
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Mohammad Reza Raveshi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Citsabehsan Devendran
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Andrei CR, Posastiuc FP, Constantin NT, Mitrea IL. New insights into semen separation techniques in buffaloes. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1347482. [PMID: 38269362 PMCID: PMC10806153 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1347482] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is frequently caused by idiopathic or unexplained reasons, resulting in an increase in demand for assisted reproductive technologies. In buffaloes, more than in other animals due to reproductive hardiness, successful fertilization needs spermatozoa to effectively transit the female reproductive system to reach the oocyte. This mechanism naturally picks high-quality sperm cells for conception, but when artificial reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or intrauterine insemination are utilized, alternative techniques of sperm selection are necessary. Currently, technology allows for sperm sorting based on motility, maturity, the lack of apoptotic components, proper morphology, and even sex. This study provides current knowledge on all known techniques of sperm cell sorting in buffaloes, evaluates their efficiency, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crina Raluca Andrei
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Petrișor Posastiuc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nicolae Tiberiu Constantin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
- Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotești, Balotești, Romania
| | - Ioan Liviu Mitrea
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
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Ferreira Aderaldo J, da Silva Maranhão K, Ferreira Lanza DC. Does microfluidic sperm selection improve clinical pregnancy and miscarriage outcomes in assisted reproductive treatments? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292891. [PMID: 37983267 PMCID: PMC10659219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292891] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microfluidic sperm selection (MFSS) device has emerged as a promising adjunct in assisted reproduction treatments (ART). It employs mechanisms of biomimicry based on the microanatomy of the female reproductive tract through strategies like chemotaxis and rheotaxis. Numerous studies assert improvements in ART outcomes with the use of MFSS, often attributed to the theoretical reduction in sperm DNA damage compared to other techniques. However, these attributed benefits lack validation through large-scale clinical trials, and there is no significant evidence of enhanced assisted reproductive treatments (ART) outcomes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the utilization of MFSS enhances clinical pregnancy results and abortion outcomes in couples undergoing ART compared to standard sperm selection techniques for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). We also assessed laboratory outcomes as a supplementary analysis. SEARCH METHODS We conducted searches across databases including PubMed, NIH, LILACS, CENTRAL, Crossref, Scopus, and OpenAlex. A total of 1,255 records were identified. From these, 284 duplicate records were eliminated, and an additional 895 records were excluded due to their association with patent applications, diagnostic tests, forensic analyses, or irrelevance to the research focus. Among the initially eligible 76 studies, 63 were excluded, encompassing abstracts, studies lacking adequate control groups, and ongoing clinical trials. Ultimately, 13 studies were selected for inclusion in the ensuing meta-analysis. RESULTS Regarding clinical pregnancy, we assessed a total of 868 instances of clinical pregnancies out of 1,646 embryo transfers. Regarding miscarriage, we examined 95 cases of pregnancy loss among the 598 confirmed clinical pregnancies in these studies. CONCLUSION The utilization of MFSS demonstrates marginal positive outcomes compared to standard sperm selection techniques, without statistical significance in any of the analyses. BROADER IMPLICATIONS This study conducted the first meta-analysis to evaluate clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates, and laboratory results associated with the use of MFSS compared to standard sperm selection techniques. We have also listed potentially eligible studies for future inclusion. It's important to emphasize the need for multicenter studies with standardized parameters to attain a more robust clarification of this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Ferreira Aderaldo
- Januário Cicco Maternity School of Brazilian Company of Hospital Services (MEJC/UFRN-Ebserh), Natal, Brazil
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte–UFRN, Natal, Brazil
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Villeneuve P, Saez F, Hug E, Chorfa A, Guiton R, Schubert B, Force A, Drevet JR. Spermatozoa isolation with Felix™ outperforms conventional density gradient centrifugation preparation in selecting cells with low DNA damage. Andrology 2023; 11:1593-1604. [PMID: 36629014 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13384] [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] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimization of spermatozoa preparation techniques in order to obtain cell fractions enriched with structurally and functionally "superior" spermatozoa is a key objective of the assisted reproduction industry. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate a recent development of an electrophoretic spermatozoa separation device (Felix™, Memphasys Ltd, Sydney, Australia) and to compare its performance with conventional spermatozoa preparation by density gradient centrifugation (DGC). Particular attention was paid to the evaluation of sperm DNA/nuclear integrity. MATERIALS & METHODS A cohort of 29 human semen samples was studied. Semen samples were analyzed fresh and after DGC or Felix™ preparation. Semen parameters monitored included sample volume, sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, sperm DNA fragmentation using the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay and sperm DNA oxidation. RESULTS Spermatozoa preparation with Felix™ resulted in significantly improved spermatozoa fractions with higher progressive motility, lower sperm DNA fragmentation, and lower sperm DNA oxidation compared with raw semen and DGC-prepared spermatozoa. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION The data collected in this study support the preparation of spermatozoa by the Felix™ system as it allows selection of spermatozoa with the highest progressive motility as well as the lowest nuclear/DNA damage. These improved sperm parameters, along with the fact that the Felix™ separation process is very fast and highly standardized, should be of great interest to the assisted reproduction technologies industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Villeneuve
- GReD Institute, Université Clermont Auvergne-Inserm U1103-CNRS UMR6293, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- GReD Institute, Université Clermont Auvergne-Inserm U1103-CNRS UMR6293, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Elisa Hug
- GReD Institute, Université Clermont Auvergne-Inserm U1103-CNRS UMR6293, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Areski Chorfa
- GReD Institute, Université Clermont Auvergne-Inserm U1103-CNRS UMR6293, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Rachel Guiton
- GReD Institute, Université Clermont Auvergne-Inserm U1103-CNRS UMR6293, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Benoit Schubert
- Eurofins Biomnis-Institut Rhônalpin, Médicentre de la clinique du Val d'Ouest, Ecully, France
| | - André Force
- Eurofins Biomnis-Institut Rhônalpin, Médicentre de la clinique du Val d'Ouest, Ecully, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD Institute, Université Clermont Auvergne-Inserm U1103-CNRS UMR6293, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Shukla SK, Gaudriault P, Corbera A. Lab-on-chip (LoC) application for quality sperm selection: An undelivered promise? OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 3:188. [PMID: 38645796 PMCID: PMC11031645 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.16671.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Quality sperm selection is essential to ensure the effectiveness of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). However, the methods employed for sperm selection in ART often yield suboptimal outcomes, contributing to lower success rates. In recent years, microfluidic devices have emerged as a promising avenue for investigating the natural swimming behavior of spermatozoa and developing innovative approaches for quality sperm selection. Despite their potential, the commercial translation of microfluidic-based technologies has remained limited. This comprehensive review aims to critically evaluate the inherent potential of lab-on-chip technology in unraveling sophisticated mechanisms encompassing rheotaxis, thermotaxis, and chemotaxis. By reviewing the current state-of-the-art associated with microfluidic engineering and the swimming of spermatozoa, the goal is to shed light on the multifaceted factors that have impeded the broader commercialization of these cutting-edge technologies and recommend a commercial that can surmount the prevailing constraints. Furthermore, this scholarly exploration seeks to enlighten and actively engage reproductive clinicians in the profound potential and implications of microfluidic methodologies within the context of human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva K Shukla
- Research and Development Unit, Beez Biotech SAS, RENNES, Ille-et-Villain, 35000, France
| | - Pierre Gaudriault
- Research and Development Unit, Cherry Biotech SAS, Paris, 93100, France
| | - Antoni Corbera
- Research and Development Unit, Cherry Biotech SAS, Paris, 93100, France
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12
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Greither T, Dejung M, Behre HM, Butter F, Herlyn H. The human sperm proteome-Toward a panel for male fertility testing. Andrology 2023; 11:1418-1436. [PMID: 36896575 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13431] [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] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although male factor accounts for 40%-50% of unintended childlessness, we are far from fully understanding the detailed causes. Usually, affected men cannot even be provided with a molecular diagnosis. OBJECTIVES We aimed at a higher resolution of the human sperm proteome for better understanding of the molecular causes of male infertility. We were particularly interested in why reduced sperm count decreases fertility despite many normal-looking spermatozoa and which proteins might be involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS Applying mass spectrometry analysis, we qualitatively and quantitatively examined the proteomic profiles of spermatozoa from 76 men differing in fertility. Infertile men had abnormal semen parameters and were involuntarily childless. Fertile subjects exhibited normozoospermia and had fathered children without medical assistance. RESULTS We discovered proteins from about 7000 coding genes in the human sperm proteome. These were mainly known for involvements in cellular motility, response to stimuli, adhesion, and reproduction. Numbers of sperm proteins showing at least threefold deviating abundances increased from oligozoospermia (N = 153) and oligoasthenozoospermia (N = 154) to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (N = 368). Deregulated sperm proteins primarily engaged in flagellar assembly and sperm motility, fertilization, and male gametogenesis. Most of these participated in a larger network of male infertility genes and proteins. DISCUSSION We expose 31 sperm proteins displaying deviant abundances under infertility, which already were known before to have fertility relevance, including ACTL9, CCIN, CFAP47, CFAP65, CFAP251 (WDR66), DNAH1, and SPEM1. We propose 18 additional sperm proteins with at least eightfold differential abundance for further testing of their diagnostic potential, such as C2orf16, CYLC1, SPATA31E1, SPATA31D1, SPATA48, EFHB (CFAP21), and FAM161A. CONCLUSION Our results shed light on the molecular background of the dysfunctionality of the fewer spermatozoa produced in oligozoospermia and syndromes including it. The male infertility network presented may prove useful in further elucidating the molecular mechanism of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Proteomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Gil Juliá M, Hervas I, Navarro-Gomezlechon A, Mossetti L, Quintana F, Amoros D, Pacheco A, Gonzalez-Ravina C, Rivera-Egea R, Garrido N. Semen processing using magnetic-activated cell sorting before ICSI is deemed safe for obstetric and perinatal outcomes: a retrospective multicentre study. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103172. [PMID: 37244866 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) a safe semen sample processing technique for newborns and mothers when used for semen processing prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles? DESIGN This retrospective multicentre cohort study involved patients undergoing ICSI cycles with either donor or autologous oocytes from January 2008 to February 2020. They were divided into two groups: those who underwent standard semen preparation (reference group) and those who had an added MACS procedure (MACS group). A total of 25,356 deliveries were assessed in the case of cycles using donor oocytes, and 19,703 deliveries from cycles using autologous oocytes. Of these, 20,439 and 15,917, respectively, were singleton deliveries. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were retrospectively assessed. All means, rates and incidences were computed per live newborn in each study group. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the main obstetric and perinatal morbidities affecting the mothers' and newborns' well-being between groups using either donated or autologous oocytes. There was a significant increase in the incidence of gestational anaemia in both subpopulations (donor oocytes P = 0.01; autologous oocytes P < 0.001). However, this incidence was within the estimated prevalence for gestational anaemia in the general population. There was a statistically significant decrease in preterm (P = 0.02) and very preterm (P = 0.01) birth rates in the MACS group in cycles using donor oocytes. CONCLUSIONS The use of MACS during semen preparation before ICSI using either donor or autologous oocytes appears to be safe for the mothers' and newborns' well-being during pregnancy and birth. Nevertheless, a close follow-up of these parameters in the future is advised, especially concerning anaemia, in order to detect even smaller effect sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gil Juliá
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Irene Hervas
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Roma Casilino, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Mossetti
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Roma Casilino, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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14
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Soto-Heras S, Sakkas D, Miller DJ. Sperm selection by the oviduct: perspectives for male fertility and assisted reproductive technologies†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:538-552. [PMID: 36625382 PMCID: PMC10106845 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The contribution of sperm to embryogenesis is gaining attention with up to 50% of infertility cases being attributed to a paternal factor. The traditional methods used in assisted reproductive technologies for selecting and assessing sperm quality are mainly based on motility and viability parameters. However, other sperm characteristics, including deoxyribonucleic acid integrity, have major consequences for successful live birth. In natural reproduction, sperm navigate the male and female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg. During transport, sperm encounter many obstacles that dramatically reduce the number arriving at the fertilization site. In humans, the number of sperm is reduced from tens of millions in the ejaculate to hundreds in the Fallopian tube (oviduct). Whether this sperm population has higher fertilization potential is not fully understood, but several studies in animals indicate that many defective sperm do not advance to the site of fertilization. Moreover, the oviduct plays a key role in fertility by modulating sperm transport, viability, and maturation, providing sperm that are ready to fertilize at the appropriate time. Here we present evidence of sperm selection by the oviduct with emphasis on the mechanisms of selection and the sperm characteristics selected. Considering the sperm parameters that are essential for healthy embryonic development, we discuss the use of novel in vitro sperm selection methods that mimic physiological conditions. We propose that insight gained from understanding how the oviduct selects sperm can be translated to assisted reproductive technologies to yield high fertilization, embryonic development, and pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Soto-Heras
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - David J Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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15
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Yang S, Gao X, Zhang T, Cai F, Zhang H. Density Gradient Centrifugation Alone or the Combination of DGC with Annexin V Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting Prior to Cryopreservation Enhances the Postthaw Quality of Sperm from Infertile Male Patients with Poor Sperm Quality. Andrologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9030902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. To examine whether density gradient centrifugation (DGC) alone or its combination with annexin V magnetic-activated cell sorting (DGC-MACS) can be used to process semen samples from infertile male patients with poor sperm quality prior to subjecting these to freeze/thaw process in order to optimize the outcomes of sperm freezing. Methods. This study enrolled sixteen patients with sperm
, sperm
%, and/or <4% normal sperm morphology. Sperms were processed by DGC or DGC-MACS prior to the freeze/thaw process. Sperm motility, hyperosmotic swelling test (HOS), TUNEL test, and morphological analysis were performed before and after the freeze/thaw process. Results. The freeze/thaw process had a detrimental effect on sperm motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity in all three groups (RAW, DGC, and DGC + MACS groups). The DGC and DGC + MACS groups showed increased sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology following freeze/thaw than untreated frozen controls. The motility and viability were not significantly different between DGC-MACS-CPT (cryopreservation-thawing) and DGC-CPT groups. Moreover, almost no grade A or grade B sperm was observed in the DGC-MACS-CPT groups. The sperm selected by DGC or DGC + MACS showed decreased levels of sperm DNA fragmentation than RAW samples following freeze/thaw. Moreover, the sperm DNA fragmentation following freeze/thaw in the DGC-MACS-CPT group was significantly lower than that in the DGC-CPT group. Conclusions. Sperm preparation by DGC before cryopreservation improved the quality of sperm postthaw in infertile males with poor sperm quality. If the sperm quality following freeze/thaw is foreseen to be insufficient for artificial insemination with husband’s sperm or in vitro fertilization, or if there is high DNA fragmentation in RAW sperm, DGC + MACS should be used prior to cryopreservation to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and improve the quality of sperm available for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Taijian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Feifei Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
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16
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Phairatana T, Prateepchaikul T, Navakanittworakul R, Choksuchat C. Comparison of In-House Microfluidic Device and Centrifuge-Based Method Efficacy in Sperm Preparation for Assisted Reproductive Technology. J Reprod Infertil 2023; 24:85-93. [PMID: 37547571 PMCID: PMC10402458 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v24i2.12492] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm DNA fragmentation can affect reproductive outcomes in assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and it is a concern in density gradient centrifugation (DGC). By contrast, microfluidic approaches allow the selection of highly motile sperm with low DNA fragmentation index (DFI). The purpose of current study, was to compare the efficacy of a microfluidic device designed in-house in comparison with DGC. Methods Nineteen healthy men with normal semen profiles were included in the study. Semen samples were individually aliquoted for three sperm preparation analyses (crude and processed with to either DGC or the microfluidic method). Sperm parameters of the samples were evaluated along with DNA fragmentation using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Results Sperm processed using the microfluidic method showed a significantly lower DFI than those obtained using DGC and in crude semen, with DFI of 1.1%, 3.5%, and 4.9%, respectively. Although the microfluidic method yielded significantly lower sperm concentrations than DGC, no significant differences were observed in total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, or normal morphology. Conclusion Using the in-house microfluidic device, sperm with lower DFI was effectively isolated when compared with DGC. The motility and normal morphology rates were comparable among the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonghathai Phairatana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Thanaporn Prateepchaikul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Raphatphorn Navakanittworakul
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Chainarong Choksuchat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
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17
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Gómez-Torres MJ, Huerta-Retamal N, Sáez-Espinosa P, Robles-Gómez L, Avilés M, Aizpurua J. Molecular Chaperone HSPA2 Distribution During Hyaluronic Acid Selection in Human Sperm. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:1176-1185. [PMID: 35819578 PMCID: PMC10160204 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
During fertilization, sperm hyaluronidase activity is essential for spermatozoa to successfully penetrate the hyaluronic acid-enriched extracellular matrix of the cumulus cells. Since molecular chaperones, as the heat shock protein A2, are typically involved in bringing hyaluronic acid receptors to the cell surface, here we evaluated the presence and spatial location of HSPA2 on human spermatozoa based on its hyaluronic acid binding capacity. This study included 16 normozoospermic sperm samples from volunteering donors. The location of HSPA2 was studied in cells before and after 1-h incubation under capacitating conditions, as well as in spermatozoa selected according to their ability of binding to hyaluronic acid. Our results showed no significant differences in HSPA2 immunofluorescent cells before and after 1 h of incubation in capacitating conditions. Nevertheless, after hyaluronic acid selection, the percentage of HSPA2-labelled cells increased significantly, indicating that the interaction with hyaluronic acid may induce the unmasking of HSPA2 epitopes. Furthermore, after swim-up and hyaluronic acid selection, spermatozoa presented a highly immunostained equatorial band with a homogeneous fluorescence throughout the acrosomal region. This distribution has been previously suggested to have important implications in male fertility. Noteworthy, a homogeneous fluorescence among the acrosomal region with a more intense labelling at the apical region was observed only in hyaluronic acid bound sperm cells, which may be associated with primary gamete recognition. Our findings suggest that the hyaluronic acid selection technique and HSPA2 biomarker should be considered candidates to complement the classic seminal analysis before recommending an appropriate assisted reproduction technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690, Alicante, Spain.
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
| | | | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690, Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Robles-Gómez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690, Alicante, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular E Histología, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Sociosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30003, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Spain, Medicina Reproductiva, 03540, Alicante, Spain
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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18
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Comparative study between SpermSlow™ hyaluronan and traditional sperm selection in ICSI outcome. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:180-187. [PMID: 36682887 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The role of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a 'physiologic selector' is also well recognized in vitro: it has been demonstrated that spermatozoa that bind to immobilized HA in vitro are those having completed their plasma membrane remodelling, and cytoplasmic and meiotic maturation. Sperm selection using HA has been expected to increase the implantation rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. This work was designed to evaluate an alternative product for slowing sperm motility that contains HA and measures its outcomes: fertilization rate, embryo quality, and implantation and pregnancy rates. The present study found a positive drift in embryo quality that was statistically significant in the study group (SpermSlow™-ICSI) with teratozoospermia compared with PVP-ICSI in the same group. There were differences in the pregnancy rate (statistically insignificant in normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and teratozoospermia) in the SpermSlow-ICSI group compared with PVP-ICSI. The HA-ICSI technique in assisted reproduction technology (ART) is an important way to improve fertilization rate, embryo quality, and pregnancy rate.
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19
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Vasilescu SA, Ding L, Parast FY, Nosrati R, Warkiani ME. Sperm quality metrics were improved by a biomimetic microfluidic selection platform compared to swim-up methods. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:37. [PMID: 37007605 PMCID: PMC10050147 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00501-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Sperm selection is an essential component of all assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs) and is by far the most neglected step in the ART workflow in regard to technological innovation. Conventional sperm selection methodologies typically produce a higher total number of sperm with variable motilities, morphologies, and levels of DNA integrity. Gold-standard techniques, including density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and swim-up (SU), have been shown to induce DNA fragmentation through introducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during centrifugation. Here, we demonstrate a 3D printed, biologically inspired microfluidic sperm selection device (MSSP) that utilizes multiple methods to simulate a sperms journey toward selection. Sperm are first selected based on their motility and boundary-following behavior and then on their expression of apoptotic markers, yielding over 68% more motile sperm than that of previously reported methods with a lower incidence of DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Sperm from the MSSP also demonstrated higher motile sperm recovery after cryopreservation than that of SU or neat semen. Experiments were conducted side-by-side against conventional SU methods using human semen (n = 33) and showed over an 85% improvement in DNA integrity with an average 90% reduction in sperm apoptosis. These results that the platform is easy-to-use for sperm selection and mimics the biological function of the female reproductive tract during conception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lin Ding
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Farin Yazdan Parast
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
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20
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Oreja-Guevara C, Rabanal A, Rodríguez CH, Benito YA, Bilbao MM, Gónzalez-Suarez I, Gómez-Palomares JL. Assisted Reproductive Techniques in Multiple Sclerosis: Recommendations from an Expert Panel. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:427-439. [PMID: 36746871 PMCID: PMC10043068 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00439-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is mainly diagnosed in women of reproductive age. However, there is a paucity of guidelines jointly prepared by neurologists and gynaecologists on managing women with MS and the desire for motherhood. Therefore, in this review we propose recommendations for such cases, with an particular focus on those requiring assisted reproductive techniques (ART). METHODS A group of seven MS experts (4 neurologists and 3 gynaecologists) came together for three discussion sessions to achieve consensus. RESULTS The recommendations reported here focus on the importance of early preconception counselling, the management of disease-modifying therapies before and during ART procedures, important considerations for women with MS regarding ART (intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation and oocyte cryopreservation) and the paramount relevance of multidisciplinary units to manage these patients. CONCLUSIONS Early preconception consultations are essential to individualising pregnancy management in women with MS, and an early, well-planned, spontaneous pregnancy should be the aim whenever possible. The management of women with MS and the desire for motherhood by multidisciplinary units is warranted to ensure appropriate guidance through the entire pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Department of Neurology, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain. .,Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aintzane Rabanal
- Human Reproduction Unit, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Yolanda Aladro Benito
- Department of Neurology, Research Institute, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Mendibe Bilbao
- Neuroscience Department, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - José Luis Gómez-Palomares
- Wilson Fertiliy-Balearic Center for In Vitro Fertilization CEFIVBA-Wilson Fertility, Mallorca, Spain
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21
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Analyzing the Differential Impact of Semen Preparation Methods on the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Techniques. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020467. [PMID: 36831003 PMCID: PMC9953211 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm separation plays a critical role in assisted reproductive technology. Based on migration, density gradient centrifugation and filtration, a properly selected sperm could help in increasing assisted reproductive outcomes in teratozoospermia (TZs). The current study aimed to assess the prognostic value of four sperm selection techniques: density gradient centrifugation (DGC), swim-up (SU), DGC-SU and DGC followed by magnetic-activated cell sorting (DGC-MACS). These were evaluated using spermatozoa functional parameters. A total of 385 infertile couples underwent the procedure of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), with an isolated teratozoospermia in the male partner. Semen samples were prepared by using one of the mentioned sperm preparation techniques. The improvements in the percentage of normal mature spermatozoa, rate of fertilization, cleavage, pregnancy and the number of live births were assessed. The normal morphology, spermatozoa DNA fragmentation (SDF) and chromatin maturity checked by using chromomycin A3 (CMA3) with DGC-MACS preparation were better compared to the other three methods. Embryo cleavage, clinical pregnancy and implantation were better improved in the DGC-MACS than in the other tested techniques. The DGC-MACS technique helped in the selection of an increased percentage of normal viable and mature sperm with intact chromatin integrity in patients with teratozoospermia.
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22
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Tomita K, Udayanga KGS, Satoh M, Hashimoto S, Morimoto Y. Relation between semen oxidative reduction potential in initial semen examination and IVF outcomes. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12501. [PMID: 36726595 PMCID: PMC9884324 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The MiOXSYS system is a new technique to analyze the semen oxidative reduction potential (ORP) that may use to classify the level of sperm DNA integrity. It does not clearly explain how the semen ORP values could help to change the IVF outcomes. We have analyzed correlations between semen ORP value and the IVF results. Methods Four hundred and thirty couples were enrolled. The male counterparts were divided into two groups according to their semen ORP values and compared the fertilization rate, cell cleavage rate, and embryo quality, following the IVF procedures. The relations between ORP values and the clinical pregnancy, live birth, and abortion rates were analyzed. Results The ORP values show negative and positive correlations with some conventional semen parameters. The fertilization and the cleavage rate did not show any differences in those two groups, but the transferable embryo rate was significantly high in patients with high semen ORP. However, the patients with high ORP show a tendency to lower clinical pregnancy with a low abortion rate compared to the low ORP group. Conclusion The main purpose of measuring the ORP value in semen is still questionable and shows controversial results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manabu Satoh
- HORAC Grand Front Osaka ClinicOsakaJapan,IVF Namba ClinicOsakaJapan
| | - Shu Hashimoto
- Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
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23
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Zhong Z, Zhang C, Liu R, He J, Yang H, Cheng Z, Wang T, Shao M, Fang S, Zhang S, Shi H, Xue R, Zou H, Ke Z, Zhang Z, Zhou J. Chirality and frequency measurement of longitudinal rolling of human sperm using optical trap. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1028857. [PMID: 36578507 PMCID: PMC9790903 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1028857] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Motility is one of the most critical features to evaluate sperm quality. As longitudinal rolling of human sperm has long been ignored until recently, its detailed dynamics and cellular biological mechanisms are still largely unknown. Here we report an optical-tweezers-based method to evaluate the chirality and frequency of sperm rotation. According to the intensity distribution patterns of off-focus micron-size particles, we established a method to judge the orientation of the sperm head along the optical axis in the optical trap. Together with the rotation direction of the projection of the sperm head, the chirality of longitudinal rolling of sperm can be measured without the application of three-dimensional tracking techniques or complex optical design. By video tracking optically trapped sperm cells from different patients, both rolling chirality and rolling frequency were analyzed. In this study, all the vertically trapped human sperm cells adopt a right-hand longitudinal rolling. The orientation and rolling frequency but not the rolling chirality of sperm in the optical trap are affected by the trap height. The rotation analysis method developed in this study may have clinical potential for sperm quality evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhensheng Zhong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Can Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun He
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Han Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zijie Cheng
- School of Science & Technology City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Shao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shu Fang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shengzhao Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Shi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rufeng Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zeyu Ke
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,*Correspondence: Zhiguo Zhang, ; Jinhua Zhou,
| | - Jinhua Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,*Correspondence: Zhiguo Zhang, ; Jinhua Zhou,
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24
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Doostabadi MR, Mangoli E, Marvast LD, Dehghanpour F, Maleki B, Torkashvand H, Talebi AR. Microfluidic devices employing chemo- and thermotaxis for sperm selection can improve sperm parameters and function in patients with high DNA fragmentation. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14623. [PMID: 36379719 DOI: 10.1111/and.14623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional sperm processing uses centrifugation has a negative effect on sperm parameters and DNA integrity. We designed and fabricated a novel microfluid device based on chemotaxis and thermotaxis, and compared it with the swim-up method. Twenty normal samples with high DNA fragmentation were included. Each sample was divided into four groups: Group 1, control, Group 2: sperm selection by thermotaxis, Group 3: sperm selection by chemotaxis, and Group 4: sperm selection with thermotaxis and chemotaxis. We used cumulus cells in a microfluid device to create chemotaxis, and, two warm stages to form a temperature gradient for thermotaxis. The spermatozoa were assessed based on the concentration, motility, and fine morphology using Motile Sperm Organelle Morphology Examination, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), acrosome reaction (AR), and sperm DNA fragmentation. Concentration (22.40 ± 5.39 vs. 66.50 ± 19.21; p < 0.001) and DNA fragmentation (12.30 ± 3.96% vs. 17.95 ± 2.89%; p < 0.001) after selection in the chemotaxis and thermotaxis microfluid device were significantly lower than control group. The progressive motility (93.75 ± 4.39% vs. 75.55 ± 5.86%, p < 0.001), normal morphology (15.45 ± 2.50% vs. 10.35 ± 3.36, p < 0.001), MMP (97.65 ± 1.81% vs. 94 ± 3.89%, p = 0.02), and AR status (79.20 ± 5.28% vs. 31.20 ± 5.24%, p < 0.001) in the chemotaxis and thermotaxis microfluid device were significantly increased compared to control group. According to these findings, spermatozoa that have penetrated the cumulus oophorus have better morphology and motility, as well as acrosome reactivity and DNA integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Doostabadi
- International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Royesh Infertility Center, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
| | - Esmat Mangoli
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Andrology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Laleh Dehghan Marvast
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Andrology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Dehghanpour
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behnam Maleki
- Infertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Torkashvand
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Andrology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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25
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Gómez-Torres MJ, Sáez-Espinosa P, Manzano-Santiago P, Robles-Gómez L, Huerta-Retamal N, Aizpurua J. Sperm Adhesion Molecule 1 (SPAM1) Distribution in Selected Human Sperm by Hyaluronic Acid Test. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102553. [PMID: 36289815 PMCID: PMC9599839 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The failures of binding to the oocyte zona pellucida are commonly attributed to defects in the sperm recognition, adhesion, and fusion molecules. SPAM1 (sperm adhesion molecule 1) is a hyaluronidase implicated in the dispersion of the cumulus-oocyte matrix. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the SPAM1 distribution in the different physiological conditions of human sperm. Specifically, we evaluated the location of the SPAM1 protein in human sperm before capacitation, at one and four hours of capacitation and after hyaluronic acid (HA) selection test by fluorescence microscopy. Sperm bound to HA were considered mature and those that crossed it immature. Our results detected three SPAM1 fluorescent patterns: label throughout the head (P1), equatorial segment with acrosomal faith label (P2), and postacrosomal label (P3). The data obtained after recovering the mature sperm by the HA selection significantly (p < 0.05) highlighted the P1 in both capacitation times, being 79.74 and 81.48% after one hour and four hours, respectively. Thus, the HA test identified that human sperm require the presence of SPAM1 throughout the sperm head (P1) to properly contact the cumulus-oocyte matrix. Overall, our results provide novel insights into the physiological basis of sperm capacitation and could contribute to the improvement of selection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-903-878
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Laura Robles-Gómez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Spain, Reproductive Medicine, 03540 Alicante, Spain
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You F, Du X, Zhang T, Wang Y, Lv Y, Zeng L. TJZYF Improves Endometrial Receptivity through Regulating VEGF and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9212561. [PMID: 36193314 PMCID: PMC9525772 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9212561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The endometrium receptivity was impaired by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), which would then lead to fertility issues and increased abortion clinically. In the present study, to explore the effectiveness of Tiaojing Zhuyun Formula (TJZYF) in improving endometrial receptivity of COH rats and the possible active ingredients and mechanisms, an approach of network pharmacology was performed and a COH animal model was established. As analyzed, stigmasterol and quercetin may be the active ingredients of TJZYF on improving endometrial receptivity and positive regulation of ion transport, the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, and endocrine process, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling pathway may be involved. Eighty female rats were divided into four groups randomly: control, model, TJZYF, and TJZYF+si-VEGFA. COH rat models were constructed by injecting with human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). We found that both endometrial thickness and number of embryo implantations in model were substantially reduced vs. control. The gene and protein expressions of VEGF, PI3K, and p-Akt in the uterus were significantly reduced. TJZYF could increase the endometrial thickness and number of embryo implantations and enhance the expressions of VEGF, PI3K, and p-Akt in the uterus. In the TJZYF+si-VEGFA group, the effect of TJZYF was impaired. Generally, TJZYF could improve the endometrium receptivity and facilitate embryo implantation of COH rats by upregulating VEGF and enhancing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550000, China
| | - Xin Du
- Reproductive Centre, Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266012, China
| | - Taiwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550000, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Reproductive Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yuxia Lv
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Li Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550000, China
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Comparison of sperm preparation methods to improve the recovery of mature spermatozoa in sub-fertile males. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:664-673. [PMID: 35799417 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The integrity of chromatin in the spermatozoon is essential for reproductive outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the most effective and cost-effective method to reduce the percentage of spermatozoa with defects in chromatin decondensation for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) procedures. Sperm samples from 15 sub-fertile males were examined at CFA Naples to determine the sperm decondensation index (SDI), using the aniline blue test, before and after preparation, comparing density gradients with two different swim-up approaches. All three techniques led to a reduction in decondensed spermatozoa with no statistical difference (P > 0.05) between the control and the treated sperm. In contrast, we found a highly significant decrease in SDI (P < 0.01) after the two swim-up methods in all the samples, confirming the efficacy of these methods in lowering the percentage of chromatin compaction damage. There was no statistical difference between the two swim-up methods, however swim-up from the pellet led to improved count, motility and the percentage of normal condensed spermatozoa. We suggest that swim-up from the pellet be used in ART on sub-fertile males, both to reduce cell stress by multiple centrifugation and improve the recovery rate of mature spermatozoa.
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González-Ravina C, Santamaría-López E, Pacheco A, Ramos J, Carranza F, Murria L, Ortiz-Vallecillo A, Fernández-Sánchez M. Effect of Sperm Selection by Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting in D-IUI: A Randomized Control Trial. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111794. [PMID: 35681488 PMCID: PMC9180176 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical outcome in assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) is mainly influenced by the quality of gametes used. It is known that a high percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation (DNAf) decreases the success of ART clinical results. Therefore, techniques such as magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) help to improve results in cases of patients with a high percentage of DNAf. Cryopreservation of sperm in donor intrauterine insemination (D-IUI) treatments increases sperm DNAf, so patients using these sperm samples can benefit from using this technique. This prospective randomized national multicenter study analyzed clinical outcomes of 181 D-IUI treatments. MACS was performed after density gradient centrifugation (DGC) in 90 thawed semen donor samples (MACSG), whereas only DGC was performed in 91 thawed semen donor samples (CG). To our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the effect of MACS on D-IUI cycles. Our results show no significant differences in gestation, live birth, or miscarriage rates between the two groups. We believe that further studies with a larger sample size are needed to evaluate the application of MACS in combination with standard IUI donor sperm preparations in fertility clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina González-Ravina
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Esther Santamaría-López
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-954-286-274
| | - Alberto Pacheco
- IVI-RMA Madrid, Avenida del Talgo 68, 28023 Madrid, Spain;
- Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Alfonso X “El Sabio”, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28016 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Ramos
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
| | - Francisco Carranza
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
| | - Lucía Murria
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
| | - Ana Ortiz-Vallecillo
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
| | - Manuel Fernández-Sánchez
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. Américo Vespucio 19, 41092 Seville, Spain; (C.G.-R.); (J.R.); (F.C.); (M.F.-S.)
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.); (A.O.-V.)
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuan S/N, 41009 Seville, Spain
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Embryologic outcomes among patients using a microfluidics chip compared to density gradient centrifugation to process sperm: a paired analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1523-1529. [PMID: 35619041 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02504-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate embryologic outcomes among paired IVF cycles in which a microfluidics chip was utilized compared to density gradient centrifugation for sperm processing. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 88 paired IVF cycles from patients aged 18-44 years at a university-affiliated IVF center. Fresh cycles from patients undergoing ICSI with sperm processed by a microfluidics chamber (microfluidics cycles) were compared to the same patients' previous ICSI cycles in which sperm was processed via density gradient centrifugation (control cycles). The primary outcome was the high-quality blastulation rate. RESULTS High-quality blastulation rate per oocyte retrieved was significantly higher in the microfluidics group compared to the control group (21.1% versus 14.5%, p < 0.01) as was the blastulation rate per 2PN (42.7% versus 30.8%, p < 0.01). Fertilization rates were significantly higher in the microfluidics group. The euploidy rate per oocyte retrieved was significantly higher in the microfluidics group compared with the control group (8.5% versus 4.3%, p = 0.04), while the euploidy rate per embryo biopsied was comparable (32.6% versus 21.8%, p = 0.09). In patients with male factor infertility, the high-quality blastulation rate was similar between the control and microfluidics cycles. There was a significantly higher blastulation rate among microfluidics cycles in patients without a diagnosis of male factor infertility (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION In this study, several embryologic outcomes, including fertilization rate, high-quality blastulation rate, and euploidy rate, were significantly higher in the microfluidics group compared to the control group. Microfluidics sperm processing may be a way to improve embryologic outcomes.
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Punjani N, Romanski PA, Bortoletto P, Kang C, Spandorfer S, Kashanian JA. The use of fresh compared to frozen ejaculated sperm has no impact on fresh embryo transfer cycle reproductive outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1409-1414. [PMID: 35513747 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the reproductive outcomes of fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles utilizing fresh versus frozen ejaculated sperm. METHODS First autologous fresh embryo transfer cycles at a single high-volume academic institution between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. IVF cycles using ejaculated sperm were included, and cycles using donor or surgically retrieved sperm were excluded. Sperm concentration was stratified as ≥ 5 and < 5 million/ml. The primary outcome was live birth, and the secondary outcomes were clinical intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and miscarriage. A multivariable logistic regression model for the aforementioned outcomes was adjusted a priori for sperm concentration as well as maternal and paternal age. RESULTS A total of 6128 couples were included. Of these, 5780 (94.3%) utilized fresh sperm, and 348 (5.7%) frozen sperm. A total of 5716 (93.2%) had sperm concentrations ≥ 5 million/ml and 412 (6.7%) had sperm concentrations < 5 million/ml. On multivariable logistic regression, the use of freshly ejaculated sperm was not associated with significantly different odds of clinical IUP, miscarriage, or live birth when compared to cycles using frozen sperm. CONCLUSION For couples conceiving via fresh ET, the use of fresh versus frozen ejaculated sperm is not associated with reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Punjani
- Division of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, Starr 900, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Phillip A Romanski
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 6Th Floor, New York City, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Pietro Bortoletto
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 6Th Floor, New York City, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Caroline Kang
- Division of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, Starr 900, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Steven Spandorfer
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 6Th Floor, New York City, NY, 10021, USA
| | - James A Kashanian
- Division of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, Starr 900, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Kamieniczna M, Stachowska E, Augustynowicz A, Woźniak T, Kurpisz MK. Human live spermatozoa morphology assessment using digital holographic microscopy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4846. [PMID: 35318373 PMCID: PMC8940907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08798-6] [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: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) was applied for the morphological assessment of live intact spermatozoa from fertile and infertile men directly after semen liquefaction. This method allowed us to study the sperm population directly from the sample droplet and not only from the focal plane of the microscope as in classical optical microscopy. The newly implemented 3-dimensional sperm morphological parameters (head height, acrosome/nucleus height, head/midpiece height) were included in morphological assessment of semen samples from fertile and infertile individuals. The values of the 3D parameters were less variable in fertile men than for infertile ones. DHM was also used to compare the morphological profiles of spermatozoa after applying the “swim-up” and gradient centrifugation techniques. During selection, the most statistically significant differences were observed after separation with a Percoll gradient of 90% and a 60-min “swim-up” procedure versus ‘native’ unfractionated samples. This shows that the developed methodology can be efficiently used for the selection of morphologically sound spermatozoa. The motility type for each spermatozoon was also assessed. The results indicate that the extension of the number of morphological parameters with new 3D parameters and the simultaneous assessment of sperm motility may be valuable addition to sperm examination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Stachowska
- Department of Metrology and Measurement Systems, Institute of Mechanical Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agata Augustynowicz
- Department of Metrology and Measurement Systems, Institute of Mechanical Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Woźniak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej K Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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32
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Chakraborty S, Saha S. Understanding sperm motility mechanisms and the implication of sperm surface molecules in promoting motility. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-022-00094-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
It is estimated that approximately 8–12% of couples globally face problems associated with infertility. A large number of men exhibit suboptimal sperm parameters. Sperm motility is one of the factors that is measured when analysing sperm parameters. The indication of several crucial sperm surface molecules, having the ability to modulate motility, has opened new avenues in understanding the complex processes involved in motility.
Main body of the abstract
There are various mechanisms that regulate and enhance sperm motility. Several surface molecules on sperm cells can also regulate motility, thus showing their possible application as a treatment for infertility caused by impaired motility. Sperm motility is regulated by intracellular and extracellular pH, along with calcium ions (Ca2+) and carbonate ion (HCO3−) concentrations. Moreover, sperm cells have an array of surface proteins which play a critical role in their function and motility. The indication of surface molecules presented new opportunities for understanding sperm motility and the possibility of treating infertility caused by impaired sperm function. Infertility and problems associated with conception can cause underlying stress and mental trauma. Although there are several methods for treating infertility, most are complex, invasive, and expensive.
Conclusion
It is important to understand how surface molecules and proteins on the sperm cell regulate motility. This will enable us to treat anomalies associated with proper sperm function. This review highlights the general mechanisms that regulate sperm motility, and it stresses the importance and relevance of sperm surface molecules in regulating sperm motility.
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Deori S, Ntallaris T, Wallgren M, Morrell JM, Johannisson A. Comparison of Single Layer Centrifugation and Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting for selecting viable boar spermatozoa after thawing. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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34
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Protic I, Golic I, Aleksic M, Vidakovic S, Korac B, Korac A. Presence of acetylated α-tubulin in human sperm nuclei: A contributor to sperm heterogeneity. Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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35
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Norozi-Hafshejani M, Tavalaee M, Najafi MH, Shapouri F, Arbabian M, Hossein Nasr-Esfahani M. MACS-DGC versus DGC Sperm Wash Procedure: Comparing Clinical Outcomes in Couples with Male Factor Infertility Undergoing ICSI: A Clinical Trial Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2022; 16:17-22. [PMID: 35103427 PMCID: PMC8808254 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.532270.1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Implementation of sperm preparation techniques based on cellular and molecular characteristics can improve the clinical outcomes of couples with male factor infertility. These methods attempt to select better sperm compared to classical methods of preparation such as swim-up and density gradient centrifugation (DGC). In this view, the aim of this study was the comparison of clinical outcomes of magnetic-activated cell separation (MACS) followed by DGC or DGC alone in infertile men undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS For this prospective single parallel blind clinical trial study, 206 infertile couples with male factor infertility and having abnormal sperm morphology higher than 96% were included. 106 and 100 couples were considered for the study (MACS-DGC) and control group (DGC), respectively. Clinical outcomes of ICSI; fertilization, embryo quality, and implantation, pregnancy rates were compared between two groups. RESULTS Mean of fertilization (80.19 ± 1.88 vs. 75.63 ± 2.06, P=0.1), top embryo quality on the day 3 (30.22 ± 3.59 vs. 17.96 ± 2.9, P=0.009), clinical pregnancy (30.76% vs. 22.22%, P=0.19), and implantation rate (18.12% vs. 10.42%, P=0.04) were higher in the study group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Sperm preparation by MACS followed by DGC in teratozoospermic men could improve the clinical outcomes after ICSI (Registration number: IRCT201610317223N8).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Norozi-Hafshejani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran,P.O.Box: 8165131378Department of Animal BiotechnologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CenterRoyan Institute for BiotechnologyACECRIsfahanIran
Emails:,
| | - Mohammad Hassan Najafi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farnaz Shapouri
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Arbabian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran,P.O.Box: 8165131378Department of Animal BiotechnologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CenterRoyan Institute for BiotechnologyACECRIsfahanIran
Emails:,
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Wang H, Zhu Y, Tang C, Zhou Z, Wang Z, Li Z, Zheng X, Chen S, Zhou Y, Liang A, Li Y, Lin Y, Sun F. Reassessment of the Proteomic Composition and Function of Extracellular Vesicles in the Seminal Plasma. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6396829. [PMID: 34647995 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains a high concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The heterogeneity of small EVs or the presence of nonvesicular extracellular matter (NV) pose major obstacles in understanding the composition and function of seminal EVs. In this study, we employed high-resolution density gradient fractionation to accurately characterize the composition and function of seminal EVs and NV. We found that the seminal EVs could be divided into 3 different subtypes-namely, high-density EV (EV-H), medium-density EV (EV-M), and low-density EV (EV-L)-after purification using iodixanol, while NV was successfully isolated. EVs and NV display different features in size, shape, and expression of some classic exosome markers. Both EV-H and NV could markedly promote sperm motility and capacitation compared with EV-M and EV-L, whereas only the NV fraction induced sperm acrosome reaction. Proteomic analysis results showed that EV-H, EV-M, EV-L, and NV had different protein components and were involved in different physiological functions. Further study showed that EV-M might reduce the production of sperm intrinsic reactive oxygen species through glutathione S-transferase mu 2. This study provides novel insights into important aspects of seminal EVs constituents and sounder footing to explore their functional properties in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshu Wang
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chunhua Tang
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhiyang Zhou
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhengquan Wang
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiaoguo Zheng
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shitao Chen
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ajuan Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yanquan Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu Lin
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Fei Sun
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
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Kashir J, Ganesh D, Jones C, Coward K. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac003. [PMID: 35261925 PMCID: PMC8894871 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is attributed to the majority of cases underlying failure of ICSI cycles, the standard treatment for male factor infertility. Oocyte activation encompasses a series of concerted events, triggered by sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), which elicits increases in free cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) in spatially and temporally specific oscillations. Defects in this specific pattern of Ca2+ release are directly attributable to most cases of OAD. Ca2+ release can be clinically mediated via assisted oocyte activation (AOA), a combination of mechanical, electrical and/or chemical stimuli which artificially promote an increase in the levels of intra-cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, concerns regarding safety and efficacy underlie potential risks that must be addressed before such methods can be safely widely used. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Recent advances in current AOA techniques warrant a review of the safety and efficacy of these practices, to determine the extent to which AOA may be implemented in the clinic. Importantly, the primary challenges to obtaining data on the safety and efficacy of AOA must be determined. Such questions require urgent attention before widespread clinical utilization of such protocols can be advocated. SEARCH METHODS A literature review was performed using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, etc. using AOA, OAD, calcium ionophores, ICSI, PLCζ, oocyte activation, failed fertilization and fertilization failure as keywords. Relevant articles published until June 2019 were analysed and included in the review, with an emphasis on studies assessing large-scale efficacy and safety. OUTCOMES Contradictory studies on the safety and efficacy of AOA do not yet allow for the establishment of AOA as standard practice in the clinic. Heterogeneity in study methodology, inconsistent sample inclusion criteria, non-standardized outcome assessments, restricted sample size and animal model limitations render AOA strictly experimental. The main scientific concern impeding AOA utilization in the clinic is the non-physiological method of Ca2+ release mediated by most AOA agents, coupled with a lack of holistic understanding regarding the physiological mechanism(s) underlying Ca2+ release at oocyte activation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of studies with clinical relevance using AOA remains significantly low. A much wider range of studies examining outcomes using multiple AOA agents are required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In addition to addressing the five main challenges of studies assessing AOA safety and efficacy, more standardized, large-scale, multi-centre studies of AOA, as well as long-term follow-up studies of children born from AOA, would provide evidence for establishing AOA as a treatment for infertility. The delivery of an activating agent that can more accurately recapitulate physiological fertilization, such as recombinant PLCζ, is a promising prospect for the future of AOA. Further to PLCζ, many other avenues of physiological oocyte activation also require urgent investigation to assess other potential physiological avenues of AOA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS D.G. was supported by Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Study Program. J.K. was supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) made by Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Correspondence address. Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OS3 9DU, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3577-4041
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Orsolini MF, Meyers SA, Dini P. An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section II. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113319. [PMID: 34828049 PMCID: PMC8614388 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113319] [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: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to improve fertilization and pregnancy rates within artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization techniques in horses, producers may choose to select the best sperm within an ejaculate. In this paper, we review conventional and novel methods of sperm selection. Abstract As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of available semen selection techniques. This segment of our two-section review will focus on the selection of spermatozoa based on quality and sex for equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as current and future developments in sperm sorting technologies. Ultimately, novel methods of semen selection will be assessed based on their efficacy in other species and their relevance and future application towards ARTs in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan F. Orsolini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Stuart A. Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Controlled spermatozoa-oocyte interaction improves embryo quality in sheep. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22629. [PMID: 34799642 PMCID: PMC8604962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02000-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The current protocols of in vitro fertilization and culture in sheep rely on paradigms established more than 25 years ago, where Metaphase II oocytes are co-incubated with capacitated spermatozoa overnight. While this approach maximizes the number of fertilized oocytes, on the other side it exposes them to high concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by active and degenerating spermatozoa, and positively correlates with polyspermy. Here we set up to precisely define the time frame during which spermatozoa effectively penetrates and fertilizes the oocyte, in order to drastically reduce spermatozoa-oocyte interaction. To do that, in vitro matured sheep oocytes co-incubated with spermatozoa in IVF medium were sampled every 30 min (start of incubation time 0) to verify the presence of a fertilizing spermatozoon. Having defined the fertilization time frame (4 h, data from 105 oocytes), we next compared the standard IVF procedures overnight (about 16 h spermatozoa/oocyte exposure, group o/nIVF) with a short one (4 h, group shIVF). A lower polyspermic fertilization (> 2PN) was detected in shIVF (6.5%) compared to o/nIVF (17.8%), P < 0.05. The o/nIVF group resulted in a significantly lower 2-cell stage embryos, than shIVF [34.6% (81/234) vs 50.6% (122/241) respectively, P < 0.001]. Likewise, the development to blastocyst stage confirmed a better quality [29% (70/241) vs 23.5% (55/234), shIVF vs o/nIVF respectively] and an increased Total Cell Number (TCN) in shIVF embryos, compared with o/n ones. The data on ROS have confirmed that its generation is IVF time-dependent, with high levels in the o/nIVF group. Overall, the data suggest that a shorter oocyte-spermatozoa incubation results in an improved embryo production and a better embryo quality, very likely as a consequence of a shorter exposure to the free oxygen radicals and the ensuing oxidative stress imposed by overnight culture.
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Abstract
Sperm selection in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is sophisticated. Only about 1,000 sperm out of millions in an ejaculate reach the fallopian tube and thus have a chance of fertilizing an oocyte. In assisted reproduction techniques, sperm are usually selected using their density or motility, characteristics that do not reflect their fertilization competence and, therefore, might result in failure to fertilize the oocyte. Although sperm processing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) bypasses many of the selection processes in the FRT, selection by the cumulus mass and the zona pellucida remain intact. By contrast, the direct injection of a sperm into an oocyte in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) bypasses all natural selection barriers and, therefore, increases the risk of transferring paternal defects such as fragmented DNA and genomic abnormalities in sperm to the resulting child. Research into surrogate markers of fertilization potential and into simulating the natural sperm selection processes has progressed. However, methods of sperm isolation - such as hyaluronic acid-based selection and microfluidic isolation based on sperm tactic responses - use only one or two parameters and are not comparable with the multistep sperm selection processes naturally occurring within the FRT. Fertilization-competent sperm require a panel of molecules, including zona pellucida-binding proteins and ion channel proteins, that enable them to progress through the FRT to achieve fertilization. The optimal artificial sperm selection method will, therefore, probably need to use a multiparameter tool that incorporates the molecular signature of sperm with high fertilization potential, and their responses to external cues, within a microfluidic system that can replicate the physiological processes of the FRT in vitro.
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Sperm Selection and Embryo Development: A Comparison of the Density Gradient Centrifugation and Microfluidic Chip Sperm Preparation Methods in Patients with Astheno-Teratozoospermia. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090933. [PMID: 34575082 PMCID: PMC8466221 DOI: 10.3390/life11090933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, microfluidic chip-based sperm sorting has emerged as an alternative tool to centrifugation-based conventional techniques for in vitro fertilization. This prospective study aims to compare the effects of density gradient centrifugation and microfluidic chip sperm preparation methods on embryo development in patient populations with astheno-teratozoospermia. In the study, the semen samples of the patients were divided into two groups for preparation with either the microfluidic or density gradient methods. Selected spermatozoa were then used to fertilize mature sibling oocytes and the semen parameters and embryo development on days 3 and 5 were assessed. While the density gradient group was associated with a higher sperm concentration, motility (progressive and total) was significantly higher in the microfluidic chip group. No significant differences were observed in the fertilization rates or grade 1 (G1) and grade 2 (G2) proportions of the third-day embryos. Furthermore, while the proportions of the poor, fair and good blastocysts on day 5 did not differ significantly, excellent blastocysts (indicating high-quality embryos) were observed in a significantly higher proportion of the microfluidic chip group. When compared to the classical density gradient method, the microfluidic chip sperm preparation yielded sperm with higher motility and higher quality blastocysts at day 5; in patients with astheno-teratozoospermia.
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You JB, McCallum C, Wang Y, Riordon J, Nosrati R, Sinton D. Machine learning for sperm selection. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:387-403. [PMID: 34002070 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Infertility rates and the number of couples seeking fertility care have increased worldwide over the past few decades. Over 2.5 million cycles of assisted reproductive technologies are being performed globally every year, but the success rate has remained at ~33%. Machine learning, an automated method of data analysis based on patterns and inference, is increasingly being deployed within the health-care sector to improve diagnostics and therapeutics. This technique is already aiding embryo selection in some fertility clinics, and has also been applied in research laboratories to improve sperm analysis and selection. Tremendous opportunities exist for machine learning to advance male fertility treatments. The fundamental challenge of sperm selection - selecting the most promising candidate from 108 gametes - presents a challenge that is uniquely well-suited to the high-throughput capabilities of machine learning algorithms paired with modern data processing capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Bem You
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Christopher McCallum
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yihe Wang
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Riordon
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David Sinton
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Simchi M, Riordon J, You JB, Wang Y, Xiao S, Lagunov A, Hannam T, Jarvi K, Nosrati R, Sinton D. Selection of high-quality sperm with thousands of parallel channels. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2464-2475. [PMID: 33982043 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01182g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sperm selection is essential for successful fertilization and embryo development. Current clinical sperm selection methods are labor-intensive and lack the selectivity required to isolate high-quality sperm. Microfluidic sperm selection approaches have shown promise but present a trade-off between the quality and quantity of selected sperm - clinicians demand both. The structure of the female reproductive tract helps to isolate a sufficient quantity of high-quality sperm for fertilization with densely folded epithelium that provides a multitude of longitudinally oriented pathways that guide sperm toward the fertilization site. Here, a three-dimensionally structured sperm selection device is presented that levers this highly parallelized in vivo mechanism for in vitro sperm selection. The device is inserted in a test tube atop 1 mL of raw semen and provides 6500 channels that isolate ∼100 000 high-DNA-integrity sperm for assisted reproduction. In side-by-side clinical testing, the developed approach outperforms the best current clinical methods by improving the DNA integrity of the selected sperm subpopulation up to 95%. Also, the device streamlines clinical workflow, reducing the time required for sperm preparation 3-fold. This single-tube, single-step sperm preparation approach promises to improve both the economics and outcomes of assisted reproduction practices, especially in cases with significant male-factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Simchi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada.
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Aydos K, Aydos OS. Sperm Selection Procedures for Optimizing the Outcome of ICSI in Patients with NOA. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122687. [PMID: 34207121 PMCID: PMC8234729 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrieving spermatozoa from the testicles has been a great hope for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but relevant methods have not yet been developed to the level necessary to provide resolutions for all cases of NOA. Although performing testicular sperm extraction under microscopic magnification has increased sperm retrieval rates, in vitro selection and processing of quality sperm plays an essential role in the success of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, sperm cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, whether for therapeutic purposes or for future fertility preservation. In recent years, there have been new developments using advanced technologies to freeze and preserve even very small numbers of sperm for which conventional techniques are inadequate. The present review provides an up-to-date summary of current strategies for maximizing sperm recovery from surgically obtained testicular samples and, as an extension, optimization of in vitro sperm processing techniques in the management of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-533-748-8995
| | - Oya Sena Aydos
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey;
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Reproductive Outcomes of Different Sperm Selection Techniques for ICSI Patients with Abnormal Sperm DNA Fragmentation: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:220-228. [PMID: 34076869 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00642-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to compare the reproductive outcomes of different sperm selection techniques: density gradient centrifugation (DGC), testicular sperm (Testi), physiological ICSI (PICSI), and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) in abnormal sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) ICSI patients. A randomized controlled trial included 302 patients with abnormal SDF undergoing ICSI where they were randomized into 4 groups: a control group of DGC (n= 72), Testi (n=73), PICSI (n=78), and MACS (n=79). Results showed no significant differences in the male age, female age, or SDF between the four groups. Testi group had significantly lower cleavage and blastulation rates compared to PICSI, DGC, or MACS groups (p =0.001). For the high-quality blastocysts, DGC and MACS groups had significantly higher rate than the Testi group (p =0.014). The highest pregnancy rate was scored for the PICSI group (69.6%), while the lowest pregnancy rate was scored for the DGC group (51.4%) with (p =0.025). The PICSI group showed a significantly higher implantation rate compared to the other groups (p =0.003). Regarding the ongoing pregnancy rate, the significant difference was observed between the PICSI (62.8%) and MACS (62%) vs. DGC (45.8%). Besides, no significant differences were found in the miscarriage rates between the four groups. In conclusion, PICSI and MACS along with DGC showed significant improvement in embryological and clinical outcome over testicular sperm or sperm processed by DGC alone in patients with abnormal SDFRegistration number: NCT04482517.
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Tung CK, Suarez SS. Co-Adaptation of Physical Attributes of the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract and Sperm to Facilitate Fertilization. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061297. [PMID: 34073739 PMCID: PMC8225031 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of the female reproductive tract not only encompass sperm migration, storage, and fertilization, but also support the transport and development of the fertilized egg through to the birth of offspring. Further, because the tract is open to the external environment, it must also provide protection against invasive pathogens. In biophysics, sperm are considered “pusher microswimmers”, because they are propelled by pushing fluid behind them. This type of swimming by motile microorganisms promotes the tendency to swim along walls and upstream in gentle fluid flows. Thus, the architecture of the walls of the female tract, and the gentle flows created by cilia, can guide sperm migration. The viscoelasticity of the fluids in the tract, such as mucus secretions, also promotes the cooperative swimming of sperm that can improve fertilization success; at the same time, the mucus can also impede the invasion of pathogens. This review is focused on how the mammalian female reproductive tract and sperm interact physically to facilitate the movement of sperm to the site of fertilization. Knowledge of female/sperm interactions can not only explain how the female tract can physically guide sperm to the fertilization site, but can also be applied for the improvement of in vitro fertilization devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Kuan Tung
- Department of Physics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Susan S. Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
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Pantos K, Grigoriadis S, Tomara P, Louka I, Maziotis E, Pantou A, Nitsos N, Vaxevanoglou T, Kokkali G, Agarwal A, Sfakianoudis K, Simopoulou M. Investigating the Role of the microRNA-34/449 Family in Male Infertility: A Critical Analysis and Review of the Literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:709943. [PMID: 34276570 PMCID: PMC8281345 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.709943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a great body of evidence suggesting that in both humans and animal models the microRNA-34/449 (miR-34/449) family plays a crucial role for normal testicular functionality as well as for successful spermatogenesis, regulating spermatozoa maturation and functionality. This review and critical analysis aims to summarize the potential mechanisms via which miR-34/449 dysregulation could lead to male infertility. Existing data indicate that miR-34/449 family members regulate ciliogenesis in the efferent ductules epithelium. Upon miR-34/449 dysregulation, ciliogenesis in the efferent ductules is significantly impaired, leading to sperm aggregation and agglutination as well as to defective reabsorption of the seminiferous tubular fluids. These events in turn cause obstruction of the efferent ductules and thus accumulation of the tubular fluids resulting to high hydrostatic pressure into the testis. High hydrostatic pressure progressively leads to testicular dysfunction as well as to spermatogenic failure and finally to male infertility, which could range from severe oligoasthenozoospermia to azoospermia. In addition, miR-34/449 family members act as significant regulators of spermatogenesis with an essential role in controlling expression patterns of several spermatogenesis-related proteins. It is demonstrated that these microRNAs are meiotic specific microRNAs as their expression is relatively higher at the initiation of meiotic divisions during spermatogenesis. Moreover, data indicate that these molecules are essential for proper formation as well as for proper function of spermatozoa per se. MicroRNA-34/449 family seems to exert significant anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties and thus contribute to testicular homeostatic regulation. Considering the clinical significance of these microRNAs, data indicate that the altered expression of the miR-34/449 family members is strongly associated with several aspects of male infertility. Most importantly, miR-34/449 levels in spermatozoa, in testicular tissues as well as in seminal plasma seem to be directly associated with severity of male infertility, indicating that these microRNAs could serve as potential sensitive biomarkers for an accurate individualized differential diagnosis, as well as for the assessment of the severity of male factor infertility. In conclusion, dysregulation of miR-34/449 family detrimentally affects male reproductive potential, impairing both testicular functionality as well as spermatogenesis. Future studies are needed to verify these conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Penelope Tomara
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Louka
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Agni Pantou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nitsos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgia Kokkali
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Mara Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Mara Simopoulou,
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Sequeira RC, Criswell T, Atala A, Yoo JJ. Microfluidic Systems for Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Advantages and Potential Applications. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:787-800. [PMID: 33237567 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have emerged as a powerful tool that can closely replicate the in-vivo physiological conditions of organ systems. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), while being able to achieve successful outcomes, still faces challenges related to technical error, efficiency, cost, and monitoring/assessment. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the uses of microfluidic devices in the culture, maintenance and study of ovarian follicle development for experimental and therapeutic applications. We discuss existing microfluidic platforms for oocyte and sperm selection and maintenance, facilitation of fertilization by in-vitro fertilization/intracytoplastimc sperm injection, and monitoring, selection and maintenance of resulting embryos. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of future integration of these technologies onto a single platform and the limitations facing the development of these systems. In spite of these challenges, we envision that microfluidic systems will likely evolve and inevitably revolutionize both fundamental, reproductive physiology/toxicology research as well as clinically applicable ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russel C Sequeira
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Tracy Criswell
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - James J Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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Agarwal A, Panner Selvam MK, Baskaran S, Finelli R, Leisegang K, Barbăroșie C, Pushparaj PN, Robert KA, Ambar R, Iovine C, Durairajanayagam D, Henkel R. A scientometric analysis of research publications on male infertility and assisted reproductive technology. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13842. [PMID: 33236365 DOI: 10.1111/and.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are considered as one of the primary management options to address severe male factor infertility. The purpose of this study was to identify the research trends in the field of male infertility and ART over the past 20 years (2000-2019) by analysing scientometric data (the number of publications per year, authors, author affiliations, journals, countries, type of documents, subject area and number of citations) retrieved using the Scopus database. We used VOS viewer software to generate a network map on international collaborations as well as a heat map of the top scientists in this field. Our results revealed a total of 2,148 publications during this period with Cleveland Clinic Foundation contributing the most (n = 69). The current scientometric analysis showed that the research trend on ART has been stable over the past two decades. Further in-depth analysis revealed that density gradient centrifugation (46%) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (59.2%) are the most reported techniques for sperm separation and ART, respectively. Additionally, azoospermia was the most studied clinical scenario (60.6%), with majority of articles reporting pregnancy rate (47.25%) as the primary reproductive outcome for ART. This study provides insight into the current focus of research in the area of male infertility and ART as well as the areas that require further research in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Cătălina Barbăroșie
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Kathy Amy Robert
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rafael Ambar
- Department of Urology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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