Sperm selection using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose To determine whether the use of Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) as a sperm selection technique improves ART success rates in couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized trials. Two reviewers conducted study selection and data extraction independently. Results Five studies (prospective randomized trials) that comprised 499 patients were included. Sperm selection using MACS resulted in statistically significant differences in pregnancy rates when compared with density gradient centrifugation and swim-up techniques (RR= 1.50, 95 % CI 1.14-1.98). No differences were found between the groups according to the implantation (RR= 1.03, 95 % CI 0.80-1.31) and miscarriage (RR=2. 00, rates. Conclusions MACS appears to be a safe and efficient method to select functional sperm with consistently good results. This technique may improve pregnancy rates when used to complement standard sperm selection methods in ART.

High Pregnancy and Implantation Rates Can Be Obtained Using Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) to Selection Spermatozoa in Patients with High Levels of Spermatic DNA Fragmentation

“…Several authors previously reported similar results in fertilization rates [15,16,53], embryo quality [17,18], pregnancy rates [18,20,[53][54][55], and additionally healthy infants who are born with normal neonatal assessments [53,[56][57][58].…”

“…On the other hand, Gil et al [20] showed that the implantation and miscarriage rated did not vary between MACS or standard sperm selection methods; however, they did observe an improvement in pregnancy rates.…”

“…JFIV Reprod Med Genet 3: 133. doi:10.4172/2375-4508.1000133 Several studies reported an improvement in fertilization rates [15,16] and embryo quality [17][18][19] because the best sperms were selected using MACS compared to standard selection methods. On the other hand, Gil et al [20] showed that the implantation and miscarriage rated did not vary between MACS or standard sperm selection methods; however, they did observe an improvement in pregnancy rates. …”

The Effect of Density Gradient Centrifugation and Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting with the Combination of Both on Bovine Spermatozoa Kinematics, Viability and Acrosome Status

“…They suggested that not all species are suitable for MACS separation method. In our knowledge, most of the research for MACS separation or the combination of DGC and MACS used human samples (de Vantéry Arrighi, Lucas, Chardonnens, & De Agostini, 2009;Gil, Shalom, Sivira, Carreras, & Checa, 2013;Martin et al, 2017;Romany et al, 2017). DGC has been proven to effectively remove nonviable spermatozoa.…”

Modeling of cell sorting and rare cell capture with microfabricated biodevices

“…Magnetophoretic techniques, also referred to as magnetic-activated sorting methods, have been thoroughly described for cells utilizing adhesion-based microfluidic cell-sorting devices in a recent review [54]. Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) is a technique in which paramagnetic or superparamagnetic particles (e.g., beads) are used to improve the efficiency of cell sorting [55]. Particles, favorably monodisperse magnetic beads, are coated with antibodies with specific affinity to cell surface antigens of interest to catch targets.…”