Influence of deoxyribonucleic acid damage on fertilization and pregnancy

Purpose To (i) investigate a possible association between different features of pronuclear (PN) morphology and different features of blastocyst morphology, (ii) evaluate the combination of PN and blastocyst morphologies as a predictive factor for ICSI outcomes and (iii) identify possible contributing factors to poor PN morphology. Methods This study included 908 normally fertilised zygotes reaching full blastocyst stage, obtained from 350 patients undergoing ICSI cycles, in which the implantations rates were 0 % or 100 %. The influence of PN morphology on blastocyst morphology and on the rates of pregnancy and miscarriage was investigated. Embryos were graded and split into three groups, taking into consideration both the PN and the blastocyst status. The pregnancy rate was compared among these groups. Results Inner cell mass (ICM) alterations were correlated with the number of nucleolar precursor bodies (NPB), while trophectoderm alterations were correlated with the size of the pronuclei and the distribution of the NPB. The distribution of the NPB had an impact on the chances of pregnancy. A significant difference was observed among the groups regarding the pregnancy rate. The maternal age, number of aspirated follicles and number of retrieved oocytes influenced the incidence of PN defects. Conclusions These findings suggest that a lower oocyte yield may lead to higher-quality PN zygotes. In addition, different PN features may influence further embryo development, especially the quality of the blastocyst. Moreover, the association between PN and blastocyst morphology may be used as a prognostic tool for implantation.

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 52%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The combination of pronuclear and blastocyst morphology: a strong prognostic tool for implantation potential

Braga

Setti

Figueira

et al. 2013

“…However, ICSI was found to be a better choice than IVF for couples with DFI >30 %. However, some studies did not find a correlation between sperm DNA damage and pregnancy rates at IVF/ICSI [24,27]. Lack of an association in these studies could be due to selection of morphologically normal sperm and selection of superior quality embryos for transfer at IVF/ICSI and could explain for lack of an association between sperm DNA damage and pregnancy rates in these studies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 77%

“…Thus, damage to histone bound sperm genome adversely affects genomic integrity and may result in early pregnancy loss. DNA fragmentation in mature male germ cell is usually caused by external factors such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), rather than cell's own programmed death [24]. Study has proven that DNA fragmentation measured by the SCSA originates (a part) from oxidative products (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine) [32].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictive value of DNA integrity analysis in idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss following spontaneous conception

Kumar

Deka

Singh

et al. 2012

Purpose Standard semen parameters are poor predictors of fertility potential. To date, apart from, paternal karyotyping sperm factors are not evaluated in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), only recent studies have emphasized the role of sperm factors in early embryonic development as sperm transcribes genes critical for early embryonic development. Sperm DNA integrity is useful diagnostic and prognostic marker and has clinical implications in idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL) following spontaneous conception. The aim of this study was to assess DNA integrity in cases experiencing iRPL following spontaneous conception. Methods Semen samples from 45 patients and 20 controls were analyzed as per WHO 1999 guidelines and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) was used to measure DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Results By applying receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, sperm DFI of approximately 26 % was found in male partner of couples experiencing iRPL. Conclusions Our data indicate that sperm from men with a history of iRPL have a higher percentage of DNA damage as compared to control group, and this can explain pregnancy loss in these patients. Men with higher DFI are infertile whereas men with lower DFI (26 %) are able to conceive but experience recurrent pregnancy loss. Thus it is important to evaluate sperm DFI in couples experiencing iRPL to understand exact aetiology of RPL and determine prognosis and management.

“…One potential reason for these suboptimal rates may be the inclusion of apoptotic sperm during in vitro fertilization (IVF) [1,2]. Sperm may have fragmented DNA despite a normal appearance and motility, and the use of such sperm in ART may have adverse effects on the outcome of the procedure [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical outcome of magnetic activated cell sorting of non-apoptotic spermatozoa before density gradient centrifugation for assisted reproduction

Dırıcan¹,

Özgün²,

Akarsu³

et al. 2008

123

Purpose Magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) eliminates apoptotic spermatozoa based on the presence of externalized phosphatidylserine residues. We evaluated the outcome of male fertility treatment when intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into human oocytes was performed with non-apoptotic MACS-selected spermatozoa. Methods 196 couples were treated by ICSI following spermatozoa preparation by MACS (study group; 122 couples) or density gradient centrifugation (DGC) (control group; 74 couples). Fertilization, cleavage, pregnancy, and implantation rates were analyzed. Results The percentage of sperm with normal morphology after MACS selection was improved. Cleavage and pregnancy rates were higher, respectively, in the study group than in control. A slightly higher implantation rate was also observed in the study group. Conclusions MACS selection of human spermatozoa increased cleavage and pregnancy rates in oligoasthenozoospermic ART cases. This novel method for selecting nonapoptotic spermatozoa for ICSI is safe and reliable, and may improve the assisted reproduction outcome.