Use of Annexin V based Sperm Selection in Assisted Reproduction

Abstract

Innovative methods to select sperm subpopulations with the best fertilizing ability are needed in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in order to improve fertilization and pregnancy rates, while also considering possible epigenetic effects on the offspring. Molecular based selection methods are searched for, under the premise that they could be an improvement over classical selection by morphology and movement. One of these methods sustains the elimination of sperm that can bind to annexin A5 (ANX V), coupled to paramagnetic beads, through the phosphatidyl-serine exposed on their membranes upon apoptosis. Although reports accumulate about the use of this method, controversy persists as to the benefits of ANX V based sperm selection in ART. In this review we consider the arguments in favour and against this method and conclude that to the moment the evidence does not support MACS regular use in ART.

Selection of high-quality sperms by nanotechnological method of magnetic activation in Brazilian cervids

“…Aziz [13] and Rawe [18] , analyzing membrane integrity, showed that magnetic-activated cell sorting separates cells with an intact membrane and reduces the oxidative stress of the samples. Manuel [20] stated that this technique reduces by 60 to 70% the number of apoptotic cells. Rawe [18] and Berteli [22] stated that despite the reduction in sperm motility observed after magnetic-activated cell sorting, the number of living cells recovered after the procedures is high.…”

“…Arrighi [14] observed that PS is present in 61.4 % of sperm membranes in all regions, with more expressiveness in the head. ANX, when coupled to microspheres, attaches to the membrane-injured sperm cells and, when subjecting this set to a high-power magnetic field in a separation column, these sets will adhere to the column, while the non-apoptotic cells will freely pass through it [18,19,20] . Curti [21] and Berteli [22] verified that this type of sperm selection increases the number of cells with normal tails and increases motility and normal morphology.…”

Exploring how sucrose-colloid selection improves the fertilizing ability of chicken sperm after cryopreservation with glycerol

“…In this study, we utilized the Annexin-V binding method to detect sperm apoptosis by assessing the externalization of phosphatidylserine on the surface of sperm ( Hichri et al, 2018 ). This externalization is an early sign of cell damage ( Muratori et al, 2004 ) and also indicates the occurrence of sperm capacitation ( Juan-Manuel et al, 2017 ). This may subsequently lead to the disruption of sperm storage and the fertilization process ( Thélie et al, 2019b ) in the oviduct, resulting in decreased fertility.…”