Comparative study on density gradients and swim-up preparation techniques utilizing neat and cryopreserved spermatozoa.

Shyam S R Allamaneni; Ashok Agarwal; Sreedhar Rama; Pavithra Ranganathan; Rakesh K Sharma

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Comparative study on density gradients and swim-up preparation techniques utilizing neat and cryopreserved spermatozoa.

Author: Shyam S R ALLAMANENI ¹ ; Ashok AGARWAL ; Sreedhar RAMA ; Pavithra RANGANATHAN ; Rakesh K SHARMA
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1. Center for Advanced Research in Human Reproduction, Infertility, and Sexual Function, Glickman Urological Institute and Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk A19.1, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Publication Type:Journal Article
MeSH: Cell Separation; methods; Centrifugation, Density Gradient; methods; Cryopreservation; methods; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa
From: Asian Journal of Andrology 2005;7(1):86-92
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract:
AIMTo 1) compare post-wash and post-thaw parameters of sperm processed with PureSperm density gradient technique and swim-up method; and 2) test the efficacy of two commonly available density gradient media PureSperm and ISolate.
METHODSThis prospective study used semen specimens from 22 patients. Specimens from nine patients were processed by both PureSperm density gradient and swim-up method. These specimens were then cryopreserved. Thirteen specimens were processed by both PureSperm (40 % and 80 %) and Isolate (50 % and 90 %) double density gradient techniques. The two fractions processed by both PureSperm and swim-up were analyzed for post-wash sperm characteristics. Post-thaw analysis was done after 24 hours. Sperm fractions obtained after processing with PureSperm and ISolate were compared for post-wash sperm characteristics and ROS levels.
RESULTSSpecimens prepared with PureSperm had significantly higher median total motile sperm counts (TMSC) (32.2 x 10(6) vs. 17.6 x 10(6)), recovery rates (69.2 % vs. 50.0 %), and longevity at 4 hours (83.0 % vs. 55.0 %) compared to specimen prepared by swim-up. Post-thaw specimens also had a higher recovery and longevity at 4 hours with PureSperm as compared to the swim-up. Semen specimens processed by PureSperm had significantly higher total sperm count, TMSC, and percentage recovery rates (30.0 % vs. 19.7 %) than ISolate.
CONCLUSIONSemen quality is better preserved in fresh and cryopreserved semen prepared with PureSperm density gradient compared to swim-up. A significant enrichment of sperm is observed with PureSperm compared to ISolate. Higher recovery rates of mature motile sperm obtained after PureSperm sperm preparation may be beneficial for successful ART.