Functional parameters of spermatozoa obtained by a new selection device

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Andrology
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Background:

• Assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) rely on selecting gametes with optimal characteristics.
• Male gametes can possess subtle DNA damage and compromised membrane integrity, necessitating effective selection methods.
• Current sperm selection methods, like density gradient centrifugation (DGC), are standard but can be time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the LensHooke CA0™ device (CA0 chamber) as a sperm separation method for ARTs.
• To compare the efficacy of the CA0 chamber with DGC in selecting sperm from normozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples.
• To assess fertilization rates using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with sperm selected by CA0 chambers versus DGC.

Main Methods:

• Sperm separation using CA0 chambers and DGC from normozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples.
• Analysis of sperm recovery, membrane potential, and motility parameters.
• Comparison of progesterone-induced intracellular Ca2+ increase in selected sperm.
• Assessment of IVF and ICSI fertilization rates using teratozoospermic samples.

Main Results:

• Comparable sperm recovery, membrane potential (in normozoospermic samples), and motility parameters were achieved with both CA0 chambers and DGC.
• A slightly greater progesterone-induced intracellular Ca2+ increase was observed in DGC-selected sperm compared to CA0-selected sperm.
• No significant differences in IVF and ICSI fertilization rates were found between sperm selected by CA0 chambers and DGC from teratozoospermic samples.

Conclusions:

• The CA0 chamber provides sperm selection comparable in quantity and quality to DGC, ensuring reproducibility.
• CA0 chambers present practical and methodological advantages, offering a faster, simpler, and more affordable sperm selection process for ARTs.