Published in:
01-06-2012 | Technical Innovations
Sperm processing by swim-up and density gradient is effective in elimination of sperm with DNA damage
Authors:
Varshini Jayaraman, Dinesh Upadhya, Pratap Kumar Narayan, Satish Kumar Adiga
Published in:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
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Issue 6/2012
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Abstract
Purpose
DNA damage may occur during sperm processing, thereby negatively influencing fertilizing ability of the sperm. The present study was designed to compare the effectiveness of gradient and swim-up, either alone or in combination, to eliminate sperm with DNA damage.
Methods
A total of 51 subjects visiting the University infertility clinic with normozoospermic parameters, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia were included. Semen characteristics were analysed by standard criteria; Terminal deoxy nucelotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay was employed for DNA damage assessment.
Results
The percentage of TUNEL positive sperm after sperm processing was significantly lower in normozoospermic (P < 0.05), oligozoospermic (P < 0.001) and teratozoospermic samples (P < 0.01). No difference was observed in the incidence of TUNEL positive sperm between the various techniques, suggesting that they are comparable.
Conclusions
Sperm preparation has been found to result in enrichment of sperm with intact chromatin, which is likely to improve the chances of achieving a viable pregnancy.