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Updated: May 22, 2026
03:28
Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: November 29, 2018
Is there an association between HOST grades and sperm quality?
F Bassiri1, M Tavalaee, A H Shiravi
1Department of Reproduction and Development, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Animal Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|May 19, 2012
Summary
The hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) can help select functional sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Avoid using HOST grade "g" sperm for ICSI due to observed anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Sperm Biology
Background:
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a primary treatment for male infertility.
- Current sperm selection lacks standardization beyond morphological assessment.
- The hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) is a potential method for selecting sperm with intact membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) for selecting functional sperm.
- To assess HOST's ability to identify sperm with normal apoptosis, morphology, and nuclear integrity.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples were analyzed using Papanicolaou, TUNEL, and CMA3 staining.
- Membrane integrity, morphology, DNA fragmentation, and protamine deficiency were assessed.
- Annexin V staining was used to evaluate early apoptosis and membrane integrity.
Main Results:
- HOST grades 'd' and 'c' demonstrated the highest percentages of healthy sperm.
- Sperm in HOST grade 'g' frequently exhibited apoptosis, abnormal morphology, nuclear immaturity, or membrane damage.
Conclusions:
- Integrating HOST into sperm selection may enhance the selection of functional sperm for ICSI.
- Insemination with HOST grade 'g' sperm is not recommended for ICSI procedures.
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