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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-12-2017 | Technological Innovations

Positive rheotaxis extended drop: a one-step procedure to select and recover sperm with mature chromatin for intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Authors: Hamilton De Martin, Marcello S. Cocuzza, Bruno C. Tiseo, Guilherme J. A. Wood, Eduardo P. Miranda, Pedro A. A. Monteleone, José Maria Soares Jr., Paulo C. Serafini, Miguel Srougi, Edmund C. Baracat

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 12/2017

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel one-step ICSI approach to select sperm with better chromatin maturity than the conventional method.

Methods

This was a pilot diagnostic study, which prospectively recruited men during a 6-month period in a University-affiliated infertility centre. Forty consecutive semen samples were provided for analysis. The positive rheotaxis extended drop (PRED) was set up creating a pressure and viscosity gradient. Each semen sample was divided into four aliquots: one aliquot for density gradient centrifugation (DGC), two aliquots for PRED (fresh semen (PRED-FS) and processed semen (PRED-DGC)), and one aliquot as the control (FS). In PRED, a mean of 200 spermatozoa were collected consecutively without selection from the outlet reservoir. The aniline blue assay was used to assess chromatin immaturity.

Results

The mean channel length, measured from inlet to outlet, was 32.55 ± 0.86 mm, with a mean width of 1.04 ± 0.21 mm. In 82.5% of cases (33/40), at least 50 spermatozoa were captured between 15 and 30 min. Improved chromatin maturity after the DGC preparation and the PRED approach was observed in all samples. This was reflected by a mean reduction from 28.65 ± 8.97% uncondensed chromatin in the native ejaculates to 17.29 ± 7.72% in DGC and 0.89 ± 1.31% in the PRED approach (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The PRED method may improve the current ICSI technique by providing it with its own sperm selection process. ICSI would probably become an even more complete technique comprising selection, capture and injection of the male gamete.

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Title: Positive rheotaxis extended drop: a one-step procedure to select and recover sperm with mature chromatin for intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Hamilton De Martin
Marcello S. Cocuzza
Bruno C. Tiseo
Guilherme J. A. Wood
Eduardo P. Miranda
Pedro A. A. Monteleone
José Maria Soares Jr.
Paulo C. Serafini
Miguel Srougi
Edmund C. Baracat
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 12/2017
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-017-1024-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Positive rheotaxis extended drop: a one-step procedure to select and recover sperm with mature chromatin for intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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