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Frequency of Sperm DNA Fragmentation According to Selection Method: Comparison and Relevance of a Microfluidic Device
Kanako Kishi1, Hiromi Ogata2, Seiji Ogata3
1Embryologist, Hanabusa Women's Clinic , Sannomiya, Kobe, Japan .
Introduction:
Multiple rounds of centrifugation or washing spermatozoa can cause sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF); however, a microfluidic approach to select spermatozoa does not require centrifugation. Reports have suggested that sperm sorting using a microfluidic device is an effective method to select good quality spermatozoa, however, it is not known whether it reduces sperm DNA damage. We investigated whether the frequency of SDF was affected by selection method during sperm processing.
Materials And Methods:
Semen samples from ten men with normal, oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia were split into two groups and sorted using a microfluidic device or by a swim-up method. Subsequently, semen parameters and SDF were measured and analyzed using paired or non-paired Student's t-tests.
Results:
For samples sorted by the microfluidic device (Sperm Sorter Qualis(®); Menicon, Kasugai, Japan) or the swim-up method, both showed a decrease in SDF. However, the decrease was more significant when the microfluidic device was used.
Conclusion:
Sorting using the microfluidic device resulted in less SDF than did the swim-up method.
Insights
Microfluidic sperm sorting significantly reduces sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) compared to the traditional swim-up method. This advanced technique offers a gentler approach to sperm processing, preserving DNA integrity for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Andrology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Sperm processing methods like centrifugation can increase sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF).
- Microfluidic devices offer a centrifugation-free approach for sperm selection.
- The impact of microfluidic sperm sorting on SDF levels was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if microfluidic sperm sorting affects the frequency of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF).
- To compare the efficacy of microfluidic sorting versus the swim-up method in reducing SDF.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples from ten men (normal, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia) were analyzed.
- Samples were divided and processed using either a microfluidic device or the swim-up method.
- Semen parameters and SDF levels were measured and statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Both microfluidic sorting and the swim-up method decreased SDF.
- The microfluidic device demonstrated a more significant reduction in SDF compared to the swim-up method.
- This suggests microfluidic sorting is more effective at preserving sperm DNA integrity.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic sperm sorting yields lower SDF than the swim-up method.
- This finding highlights the potential of microfluidic technology for sperm processing with reduced DNA damage.
