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Mouse Sperm Cryopreservation and Recovery using the I·Cryo Kit
Published on: December 12, 2011
Sperm cryopreservation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
D Paoli1, F Pallotti1, G Nigro1
1Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
Purpose:
Sperm cryopreservation is fundamental in the management of patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. Concerns have risen in relation to SARS-CoV-2 and its potential for testicular involvement, since SARS-CoV-2-positive cryopreserved samples may have unknown effects on fertilization and embryo safety. This study therefore aimed to analyze the safety of sperm cryopreservation for cancer patients after the onset of the pandemic in Italy, through assessment of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and viral RNA testing of semen samples.
Methods:
We recruited 10 cancer patients (mean age 30.5 ± 9.6 years) referred to our Sperm Bank during the Italian lockdown (from March 11th to May 4th 2020) who had not undergone a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Patients were administered a questionnaire on their exposure to COVID-19, and semen samples were taken. Before cryopreservation, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was extracted from a 150 µl aliquot of seminal fluid in toto using QIAamp viral RNA kit (Qiagen) and amplified by a real time RT PCR system (RealStar SARS-CoV2 RT PCR, Altona Diagnostics) targeting the E and S genes.
Results:
The questionnaire and medical interview revealed that all patients were asymptomatic and had had no previous contact with COVID-19 infected patients. All semen samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
Conclusion:
This preliminary assessment suggests that a thorough evaluation (especially in the setting of a multidisciplinary team) and molecular confirmation of the absence of SARS-CoV-2 in seminal fluid from asymptomatic cancer patients may assist in ensuring the safety of sperm cryopreservation.
Insights
Cancer patients undergoing sperm cryopreservation during the pandemic had no detectable SARS-CoV-2 in their semen. This preliminary study suggests semen cryopreservation is safe for asymptomatic patients when tested for the virus.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sperm cryopreservation is vital for cancer patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments.
- Concerns exist regarding SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) and potential testicular infection.
- The safety of cryopreserved sperm from SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals for fertilization and embryo development is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety of sperm cryopreservation for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.
- To evaluate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in this patient group.
- To perform viral RNA testing on semen samples before cryopreservation.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 10 cancer patients during the Italian lockdown (March-May 2020).
- Administered questionnaires on COVID-19 exposure and conducted medical interviews.
- Collected semen samples and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using real-time RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- All participating patients were asymptomatic and reported no known contact with COVID-19 infected individuals.
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in any of the analyzed semen samples.
Conclusions:
- Thorough patient evaluation and molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 are crucial for safe sperm cryopreservation.
- This preliminary study supports the safety of cryopreservation for asymptomatic cancer patients when semen is confirmed negative for the virus.
