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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

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Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm
Published on: March 1, 2019
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High-throughput analysis of TUNEL-stained sperm using image cytometry.
E A Arifulin1,2, E E Bragina1,3, L F Kurilo3
1A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russian Federation.
Summary
Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for fertility. Automated image cytometry accurately estimates DNA fragmentation using the TUNEL assay, correlating well with manual counts for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cellular biology
- Medical diagnostics
Background:
- Sperm DNA integrity is vital for successful fertilization and pregnancy.
- The TUNEL assay is standard for assessing DNA fragmentation.
- Flow cytometry offers high-throughput analysis but lacks morphological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate automated image cytometry for estimating DNA fragmentation in TUNEL-stained sperm.
- To compare automated image cytometry results with traditional visual counting methods.
- To determine the suitability of image cytometry for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Sperm samples were stained using the TUNEL assay.
- Automated image cytometry was employed for sperm analysis.
- Results were compared with manual visual counting.
Main Results:
- Automated image cytometry provided accurate estimations of sperm DNA fragmentation.
- A strong correlation was observed between automated image cytometry and visual counting.
- The method demonstrated suitability for clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- Automated image cytometry is a reliable tool for assessing sperm DNA integrity.
- This technique complements traditional methods by offering objective and efficient analysis.
- Image cytometry holds potential for improving diagnostic accuracy in fertility assessments.

