P-009 A novel sperm selection technique using a progesterone gradient

Abstract

Abstract Study question Is it possible to select spermatozoa using progesterone gradients? Does chemotaxis improve sperm selection compared to a classical density gradient or swim up? Summary answer Spermatozoa selected using progesterone gradients yield higher percentages of high quality spermatozoa with lower DNA fragmentation and better morphology compared to classic sperm selection. What is known already There are few studies which aim at improving sperm selection, even though it is known to be a vital parameter for IVF success. DNA integrity is fundamental for embryo development although it is currently underestimated. Progesterone has been suggested to be a major chemoattractant for spermatozoa in the fallopian tubes and therefore using gradients in a clinical setting may lead to a more physiologically improved selection method. Study design, size, duration 19 normo spermic patients (according to W.H.O. parameters) were selected. After standard semen analysis the sample was split in two halves. One half was treated using classical swim up and the remaining half was treated on a progesterone gradient. The treated samples were then tested for fragmentation, motility and morphology. Sperm motility was analyzed using SCA computer system. DNA fragmentation using the TUNEL assay. Participants/materials, setting, methods The patients enrolled in the study were all normospermic. The results were compared using ANOVA one way. Progesterone gradients was obtaining using an horizontal density gradients with added progesterone. Main results and the role of chance The percentages of rapid progressive spermatozoa were 12,89 ± 4,50%; 56,37 ± 13,61% and 29,84±12,52% in the untreated sample (US), treated sample (TS) and control group (C)respectively; p < 0,005. Normal sperm morphology rates were 3,474 ± 1,46; 5,500 ±1,57 and 3,684 ± 1,15 in US, TS and C respectively. Sperm fragmentation rates were 9,77 ± 9,012,50 ± 2,66 and 7,94 ± 6,68 in US, TS and C respectively. Limitations, reasons for caution The number of normospermic patients enrolled in the study was limited. Moreover, the sperm concentration obtained in this kind of selection is lower than in the conventional techniques and therefore may be harder to use in patients with a very low sperm count. Wider implications of the findings Our data shows a significant improvement in sperm selection using chemotaxis gradient compared to the control group by all the parameters considered in this study. Chemotaxis gradients may be useful in a clinical setting to improve spermatozoa selection, lowering the rates of sperm with damaged DNA potentially increasing embryo quality. Trial registration number Not applicable