The DNA integrity of cryopreserved spermatozoa separated for use in assisted reproductive technology is unaffected by the type of cryoprotectant used but is related to the DNA integrity of the fresh separated preparation
Received 28 April 2008; received in revised form 30 June 2008; accepted 16 July 2008. published online 15 September 2008.
Objective
To investigate and compare seven different commercially available cryoprotectant media in terms of the DNA integrity of spermatozoa recovered after cryopreservation and separation using density gradient centrifugation (DGC).
Design
A prospective clinical study.
Setting
Tertiary care fertility clinic.
Patient(s)
Three hundred twenty men presenting for infertility investigations.
Intervention(s)
Each sample was randomly assigned to one of seven commercially available cryoprotectants or to no cryoprotectant.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Percentage sperm DNA fragmentation after cryopreservation and preparation using DGC.
Result(s)
The mean percentage fragmentation was significantly higher post-thaw and post-DGC; however, some patients (26.3%) demonstrated a lower percentage fragmentation post-thaw. No single cryoprotectant was identified as the best at preserving DNA integrity. The difference in fragmentation after thawing and DGC was found to be highly dependent on the prefreeze fragmentation. Motility was also significantly correlated with the difference in fragmentation post-thaw (r = −0.161).
Conclusion(s)
Neither the presence nor type of cryoprotectant affects the DNA integrity of spermatozoa after cryopreservation and DGC. Individuals with lower prefreeze fragmentation in DGC-prepared spermatozoa have larger increases in fragmentation and are less likely to exhibit lower levels of fragmentation post-thaw. The reverse effect observed in those with higher prefreeze fragmentation gives rise to a possible novel method of reducing fragmentation in sperm used for assisted reproductive technology treatment cycles without the need for testicular sperm retrievals.
bDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Reprint requests: Laura Kelly Thomson, B.Med.Sc., Fertility First, P.O. Box 807, Hurstville NSW 2220, Australia (FAX: 61-2-9586-3322).
L.K.T. has nothing to disclose. S.D.F. has nothing to disclose. L.S. has nothing to disclose. K.B. has nothing to disclose. J.-A.Z. has nothing to disclose. A.M.C. has nothing to disclose.
This study was fully funded and supported by Dr. Anne Clark, owner and medical director of Fertility First, as part of Ms. Thomson's Ph.D. studentship.
ABSTRACT