Combination of density gradient centrifugation and swim-up methods effectively decreases morphologically abnormal...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Cell Biology
• Medical Science

Background:

• Semen preparation is crucial for assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
• Density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and swim-up are common methods.
• Ultrastructural sperm morphology impacts ART success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of combined DGC and swim-up for reducing ultrastructural sperm abnormalities.
• To assess the impact of combined techniques on sperm DNA fragmentation.
• To correlate sperm head abnormalities with fertilization and pregnancy rates in ART.

Main Methods:

• Semen samples from 16 infertile males were processed using DGC followed by swim-up.
• Transmission electron microscopy analyzed sperm ultrastructure.
• Sperm chromatin structure assay assessed DNA fragmentation.
• Correlation analysis linked head abnormalities to fertilization and pregnancy outcomes.

Main Results:

• The combined DGC and swim-up method significantly reduced ultrastructural abnormalities in sperm heads and tails.
• Sperms with nuclear vacuoles were most resistant to elimination.
• A negative correlation was observed between sperm head abnormality and fertilization rates in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
• DNA fragmentation was effectively decreased by the combined techniques.

Conclusions:

• Combined DGC and swim-up is effective in reducing sperm ultrastructural defects and DNA fragmentation.
• Persistent ultrastructural abnormalities, particularly nuclear vacuoles, may affect ICSI outcomes.
• Further optimization may be needed to completely eliminate detrimental sperm defects for improved ART success.