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Experimental research on the inhibition of SALL4 expression in acute myeloid leukemia THP-1 cells by RNA interference

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(12):1202-1207. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.12.025

Objective To inhibit the expression level of SALI4 in AML cell line THP-1 and investigate its potential effects on pathogenesis of leukemia. Methods AML cell line THP-1 was transfected with plasmids that expressed small interfering RNA targeting SALL4. The samples were divided into 4 groups:(1) blank group: samples with not any treatments; (2) control group: cells with empty pRS vector alone;(3) test1 group:cells with SALL4-shRNA-pRS-1 plasmid transfection complex; (4) test2 group:cells with SALL4-shRNA-pRS-2 plasmid transfection complex. The expression levels of SALL4 mRNA and protein were measured by real time fluorescence quantitative PCR and WB. C-myc, Cyclin D1 and β-catenin were important components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and their expression levels in SALL4 knockdown THP-1 cells were detected by real-time fluorescence PCR. Furthermore, THP-1 apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V-PI staining. Results Real time fluorescent quantitative PCR illustrated that the expression of SALL4 in testl group, test2 group, control group and blank group were ( 36. 0 ± 4. 3 ) %,(32. 0 ± 2. 4) %, ( 102. 0 ± 6.5 ) % and ( 100. 0 ± 2. 6 ) % respectively. There was statistical significance ( F = 226. 3, P < 0. 05 ). The expression of SALL4 in testl and test2 group respectively were significant lower than that in blank group (t = 19.7,19. 1, P<0. 05). The expression of SALL4 had no significant difference between blank group and control group (t = 1.1, P ＞0. 05). Western blot analysis revealed SALL4 protein in testl and test2 group were significantly decreased compared with those of control and blank group. All above data indicated the high efficiency of RNA interference targeting SALL4. Comparing with the blank group, the relative expression of C-myc, Cyclin D1 and β-catenin mRNA in test1, test2 and control group were(44.0 ±6.2)%,(44.0 ±5.1)% and (107.0±13.6)%;(22.0±4.5)%,(25.0±3.5)% and (48.0 ± 7. 6 ) %; ( 42.0 ± 3.5 ) %, ( 59. 0 ± 3.7 ) % and ( 79. 0 ± 5.6 ) %. The expression of C-myc,β-catenin and Cyclin D1 mRNA in testl and test2 group were significant lower than that in blank group (t = 10. 1,9. 5, 23. 3, 22. 9; 17.4, 12. 4; P < 0. 05). The percentage of apoptotic cells in group of test1,test2,control, blank were (57.2 ±9.1)%, (34.4 ±8.6)%, (14.4 ±3.6)% and (14.8 ±4.8)%respectively. There was statistical significance ( F = 42. 5, P < 0. 05 ). After the inhibition of SALL4, the percentages of apoptotic cell in testl and test2 group were significantly increased( t =9. 7, 4. 5 ;P <0. 05).Conclusion The inhibition of SALL4 in leukemia cell line THP-1 downregulates the expression of cell proliferation related genes such as C-myc, Cyclin D1,β-catenin and promoted apoptosis.

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Detection of KRAS mutation in pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer patients with highly sensitivite COLD-PCR

Shaorong YU ; Zhibo HOU ; Chao CHEN ; Li XIE ; Lixia YU ; Xiaoping QIAN ; Baorui LIU

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(12):1181-1184. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.12.018

Objective To evaluate the significance of COLD-PCR in detecting KRAS mutation of pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer patients. Methods First, set up COLD-PCR and compared the sensitivities of COLD-PCR/Sanger sequencing with PCR/Sanger sequencing using mixed cell lines ( KRAS wild-type cell line SW116 and KRAS mutant cell line SW480).Then, detected KRAS mutation of 20 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of pancreatic cancer and 39 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of colorectal cancer using PCR/Sanger sequencing and COLD-PCR/Sanger sequencing, respectively and compared the coincidence rate and consistency. Results The low detection limits of PCR/Sanger respectively. KRAS frequency detected by COLD-PCR/Sanger sequencing [75% (15/20)] in 20 cases of pancreatic cancer was higher than that detected by regular PCR/Sanger sequencing [40% ( 8/20 ) ,x2 =5.013, P < 0.05]. KRAS frequency detected by COLD-PCR/Sanger sequencing [44% (17/39)] in 39 cases of colorectal cancer was higher than that detected by regular PCR/Sanger sequencing [31% (12/39) ,x2 =1. 372, P = 0. 174]. The coincidence rate of these two methods was 0. 730 and the difference had no statistical significance. The coincidence rate of detecting KRAS mutation was 65% in pancreatic cancer and the results showed a good correlation between two methods and the two methods had bad agreement in diagnosis (Kappa = 0. 364, P < 0. 05 ). COLD-PCR/Sanger sequencing could detect more cases of KRAS mutations from pancreatic caner than regular PCR/Sanger sequencing. This was because there were many non-tumor cells in pancreatic tumor tissue and COLD-PCR/Sanger sequencing was more sensitive than regular PCR/Sanger sequencing. The coincidence rate of detecting KRAS mutations was 87% in colorectal cancer and the results were showed a good correlation between two methods and the two methods had substantical agreement in diagonsis ( Kappa = 0. 730, P < 0. 05 ) . Conclusion COLD-PCR/Sanger sequencing is highly sensitive to screen KRAS mutation in pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer patients.

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Analysis of blood methylmalonic acid with a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method and its application

Xuefeng CUI ; Junjun NI ; Ting XIANG ; Huiyuan GAO ; Wei LI ; Lijun WU

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(12):1176-1180. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.12.017

Objective To establish a LC-MS/MS method for the determination of MMA in serum,and provide a assay for the diagnosis and screening of methylmalonic academia in the clinic. Methods MMA was extracted from 205 serum samples from healthy controls and 146 serum samples from patients with liquidliquid extraction method with MTBE as the extraction solvent. The supernatant was transferred to a tube and dried with nitrogen gas. Then the residual was derived with HCI-BuOH mixed agent to give a product, which was analyzed directly by LC-MS-MS system with a gradient elution, selective reaction monitor, a Discovery C18 column (50 mm × 2. 1 mm ,5 μm) as the isolation column and a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water (0. 1% formic acid, V/V), respectively. The concentration of MMA was detected with the isotope internal standard method. The stand curve was employed with a series of calibrators. The recovery was estimated with the 3 serum samples with the concentrations of 2, 25, 80 μg/L respectively. The accuracy,precision and stability were also tested with quality control samples. Moreover, the range of concentrations in healthy people were detected to investigate the influence of hemolysis on the detection results. Thirteen samples were randomly tested according to the digital chart. The testing results were compared with the results provided by Medical Diagnositic institution (MDI) in Germany. The paired t-test was applied to statistical analysis. Results The linear range of this method was 2-100 μg/L, and the correlation coefficient (R2 ) was more than 0. 995. The retention time of MMA derivative was 10. 5 min. Succinic acid and MMA were not found to interfere with each other. The within-run RSD was less than 6. 4%, and the between-run RSD was less than 5.0%. The recovery rates were from 96. 42% to 103. 33%. The limit of quantification was 1 μg/L.The accuracies of the method were form 94. 2% to 108. 2%. The samples were stable for 6 h at room temperature and stable for 70 d even keep at - 20 ℃. The samples were stable after 10 freeze-thaw cycles. The derivatives of MMA were found to be stable at least for 5 d at 4 ℃. The medians of the hemolysis group and the normal group were 102.53 (13.84-302.33) μg/L and 39.52 (11.94-203.08) μg/L,respectively. There was significant difference between the 2 groups ( T = 8, P ＜ 0. 05 ). The medians of comparison test in our laboratory and the MDI were 32. 82(24. 50-100. 42) μg/L and 32. 20(26. 65-93. 30)μg/L There was no significant difference between the 2 groups( T=7 ,P ＞0. 05 ). The mean value (-x± s)of 158 healthy adults( 18-58 years old) and 47 healthy teenages( 1-17 years old)were ( 18.46 ± 10.49 )μg/L and (22. 38 ± 11.45) μg/L, respectively. Conclusions A LC-MS/MS method for analysis of MMA in serum is established successfully. The quantitative method is simple and accurate with good sensitivity,specificity and repeatability. The method can be applied for diagnosis, screening and monitoring of methylmalonic acidemia.

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Molecular epidemiology of Acinetobacter baumannii containing IMP-4 and OXA-23 isolated in children

Tao YU ; Liansheng BAO ; Fang LIU ; Huan QIN ; Shiyong DENG

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(12):1171-1175. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.12.016

Objective To investigate the molecular epidemiology of CRAB isolated from children in wuhan. Methods Forty non-repetitive strains of CRAB were collected from hospitalized children of emergency department, neonatal medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, bone surgery, respiratory medicine and renal medicine in Wuhan children's hospital during December 2008 and May 2009. MIC values were PFGE; KPC, IMP, GIM, SPM, SIM, OXA-23, VIM genes and integrase gene were amplified by PCR and then sequenced to confirm the genotypes.; Plasmid conjugation experiment was used to study the transfer method of bacterial resistance and southern blot hybridization was used to target the resistance genes. Results Susceptible rates of 40 strains to gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, trimoxazole were 20%, 5%, 93%, 93%, 95%, and 23% respectively. Eleven types of clone were detected by PFGE,including 29 strains of type A clone, 2 strains of type B clone, and 1 strain for each type of C to K clone. Eleven isolates produced both IMP-4 and OXA-23 carbapemase. Twenty-six isolates only possessed OXA-23 carbapemase. Thirty-six strains carried class Ⅰ integron. The results of southern blot hybridization showed that Intl, IMP-4 and OXA-23 type were located on chromosome. Conclusions Type A clone of CRAB is the most common. OXA-23 and IMP-4 type are the major acquired carbapemases, especially the OXA-23 is the most common type. The horizontal transmission of OXA-23 and IMP-4 gene mediated by Int1 and the spread of type A resistant clone is the major way of the spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in the region.

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The expression and significance of MDR1 ,BCRP,LRP mRNA and protein in breast cancer

Jie CUI ; Xinlan LIU ; Ningju WANG

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(12):1164-1170. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.12.014

Objective To investigate the expression and the significance of the MDR1, breast cancer resistance protein, lung cancer resistance protein mRNA and corresponding proteins P-gp, BCRP and LRP in breast cancer tissues and adjacent breast tissues. Methods RT-PCR was used to exam the expression of MDR1, BCRP, LRP mRNA in 42 breast cancer tissues and 42 adjacent tissues. IHC was used to exam the expression of P-gp, BCRP and LRP in 126 breast cancer tissues and 42 adjacent tissues, and theirs relationships with clinicopathological parameters in breast cancer, axillary lymph node status and 5-year recurrence and metastasis. Results The relative expression levels of MDR1, BCRP and LRP mRNA were 0.81 ±0.17,0.78 ±0.14,0.79 ±0.13 in breast cancer tissues and 0.33 ±0.11,0.45 ±0.09,0.36 ±0.10 in adjacent tissues respectively. There were significant differences between cancer tissues and adjacent tissues ( t = 4.613, 4.850 and 8. 089, P < 0.01 ). The positivities of P-gp, BCRP and LRP were 41% ( 52/126) ,39% (49/126) and 66% (83/126) in breast cancer tissues. There were significant differences between cancer tissues and adjacent tissues (x2 = 10.147, 7.020, 27.820, P < 0.01 ). The expression of MDR1 mRNA/P-gp was significantly associated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis ( r = 0.369,0.398, P < 0.05 ). The expression of BCRP (mRNA/protein) was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (r = 0.355, P < 0.05 ) . The positivities of P-gp were significantly different between 39 recurrence/metastasis patients occurred in 5 years and 32 unrecurrence/nonmetastasis patients in 5 years (x2 = 11.771, P < 0.01 ). The positivities of BCRP and LRP were not significantly different in these two groups(x2 =2.261,0.078,P >0.05). The coincidence rates for expression of MDR1 ,BCRP,LRP mRNA and their proteins in breast cancer tissues were 90.48% ,92.85% and 85.71% respectively (the Kappa values were 0.806,0.751 and 0.697, P < 0.01 ). Conclusions Multidrug resistance is common in breast cancer. The three drug resistance genes and proteins are involved in the formation of multidrug resistance of breast cancer. Detection of multidrng resistance genes in breast cancer may be useful to choose chemotherapy,especially patients with P-gp positive expression are not advised to use the CAF chemotherapy.

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Correlation between the results of drug susceptibilities and the extent of drug-resistances in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates

Zhenling GUI ; Jie WANG ; Junmei LU ; Xiaochen HUANG ; Yuansheng DING ; Zhongyi HU

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(12):1145-1149. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.12.010

Objective To investigate correlation between the results of drug susceptibility and the extent of drug-resistances in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates. Methods Liquid culture and MTT test were used. Twelve anti-TB drug MICs and drug susceptibility testing of the 163 MTB strains from random clinical isolates were detected, which including RFP, INH, SM, EBM, OFLX, LVFX, MOX, AMK,CPM, PTA, CLA and PAIN. Results There are 67% (42/62) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to SM, 63% (51/81) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to INH, 77% (50/65) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to RFP, 41% ( 15/37 ) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to AMK,41% (12/29) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to CPM, 20% (12/60) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to EMB and 43% (25/58) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to OFLX which MICs were equal to or more than 16 μg/ml, 8 μg/ml, 8 μg/ml, 16 μg/ml and 4 μg/ml, 4 μg/ml and 8 μg/ml,respectively. There were significant differences in the MICs of OFLX, LVFX and MOX in OFLX resistant strains (2-128, 1-32 and 0.0625-1 μg/ml, respectively) by ANOVA ( F = 16.874, P ＜ 0.001 ). The MICs of SM, INH, RFP, EMB, OFLX, AMK and CPM in isolates resistant to six or seven drugs (0.5-128,2-64,0.25-128,1-32,1-64,0.5-128 and 1-128 μg/ml,respectively) were higher than those (0.25-128,0.0625-64,0.25-32,0.25-2,0.125-2,0.5-4 and 1-4 μg/ml,respectively) in isolates resistant to one or two drugs (F=20.066, 40.499, 47. 197, 70.373, 91.432, 41.840 and 21.547, respectively, P ＜0.05). The MICs of SM, INH, RFP and EMB in isolates resistant to four drugs (1-128,2-64,0.25-128 and 1-32 μg/ml,respectively ) were higher than those ( 0.25-128,0.0625-64, 0.25-64 and 0.25-2 μg/ml,respectively) in isolates resistant to one or two drugs (F = 26.242, 23.563, 31.541 and 64.469,respectively, P ＜0.05).The MICs of RFP in MDR isolates (2-64 μg/ml) were higher than those (0. 25 μg/ml) in other resistant isolate except M DR isolates (F = 5.613, P <0.05). Conclusions The study shows that there are associations between the results of routine drug susceptibility testing and the resistant extent of anti-TB drugs. This could help doctors select more effective anti-TB regimen for TB patients according to the correlations.

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Comparison of five methods used for detection of Clostridium difficile infection

Ying HE ; Xuedong LU ; Haijing LI ; Shufang MENG ; Yiwei TANG

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(12):1139-1144. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.12.008

Objective To evaluate five detection methods for the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection in the hospitals of USA, and explore a sensitive, specific, accuracy and rapid regimen for the early diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection. Methods A total of 174 stool specimens submitted to the clinical microbiology laboratory for Clostridium difficile testing were separately tested by five methods including toxigenic culture (TGC), Premier Toxin A&B EIA( A/B-EIA), C. Diff Quick Chek Complete( DEIA), BD G eneOhm Cdiff assay(BD-PCR) and Laboratory-developed PCR(LD-PCR). The gold standard of TGC was used as a reference criterion, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value ( PPV )and negative predictive value (NPV) of A/B-EIA, D-EIA, BD-PCR and LD-PCR assays were determined. Results Among the 174 specimens studied, 24 were defined as true positives for Clostridium difficile infection by TGC assay, giving a positive rate of 13.8% (24/174). In comparison to the standard,the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 62.5%, 99.3%, 93.8% and 94.3% for A/B-EIA;66.7%, 98.7%, 88.9% and 94.9% for D-EIA; 83.3%, 98.7%, 90.9% and 97.4% for BD-PCR;79.2%, 93.3%, 65.5% and 96.6% for LD-PCR. Among all tested specimens, 34 were positive by atleast one of five methods, and of which 15 were concordant by all five methods. The D-EIA results were divided into three groups depending on results of GDH and (or) toxins A/B: 18 were positive for both GDH and toxins A/B, 23 were positive for only GDH, and 133 were negative for both GDH and toxins A/B. Of 18 positive specimens by D-EIA assay, all were concordant with results of BD-PCR assay and 16 were agreement with results of TGC assay. Twenty-two of 24 positive specimens by TGC assay were included in 41 specimens that were positive for GDH. Among eight false negative specimens by D-EIA assay, four were differentiated as positive results by BD-PCR. According to the present study, the sensitivity, specificity,PPV and NPV of a two-step detection algorithm in combination with D-EIA and BD-PCR assays were 83.3%, 98.7%, 90.9% and 97.4%, respectively. Conclusions From the point of technological evaluation, BD-PCR is preferable. A two-step detection algorithm combining D-EIA with BD-PCR is proposed for the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection. This algorithm has demonstrated an excellent sensitivity and specificity, as well as decreased test turnaround time and test cost.

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Determination of cytokines in peripheral blood by cytometric bead array in kidney transplantation recipients

Li XIAO ; Bingyi SHI ; Xiuyun HE ; Xiaoguang XU ; Yong HAN ; Wenqiang ZHOU ; Haiyan HUANG ; Yu GAO

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(12):1128-1132. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.12.005

Objective To measure the cytokines levels in peripheral blood from kidney transplantation recipients by using cytometric bead array and to analyze their change and the clinical significance in pre- and post- kidney transplantation, inducting with basiliximab and graft rejection. Methods A total of 72 renal transplantation recipients were divided into two groups, kidney function stable group(n =53) and acute rejection group (n = 19). And they were also grouped by induction with basiliximab or not,32 in basiliximab group and 40 in without basilixmab group. The levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-5,IL-4, IL-2 were measured by cytometric bead array in peripheral blood of 72 kidney transplantation recipients and 30 healthy donors at differential time. The data was analyzed according to the following grouping:donors and recipients, kidney function stable group and acute rejection group post transplantation and with or without basiliximab group. Results The levels of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-5, IL-4, IL-2 in recipients before transplantation were ( 1.65 ±0. 10) ,(2. 55 ±0. 19) ,( 1.88 ±0. 14) ,(1.85 ±0. 12) ,(2. 12 ±0. 09) ng/L,respectively. While they were (3.04 ±0. 17), (3.33 ±0. 26), (4.03 ±0.25), (2.73 ±0. 16), (4.03 ±0. 26) ng/L respectively in healthy donors. There was statistical significance between the two groups ( t =6. 890, 2. 375, 7. 851,3.955,7.153, P<0. 01, <0. 05, <0.01, <0.01, <0.01). While the level of IFN-γ in recipients before transplantation was (2. 50 ±0. 18) ng/L,compared with (3. 00 ±0. 24) ng/L in healthy donors. There was no statistical significance between the two groups( t = 1. 625, P > 0. 05 ). The levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in kidney function stable group were (2. 71 ± 0. 11 ) ng/L and (3.91 ± 0. 52) ng/L,while they were ( 3.30 ± 0. 36 ) ng/L and ( 12. 01 ± 5.35 ) ng/L in acute rejection group. There were statistical dirrerences between the two groups ( t = 5. 061, 11. 465, P < 0. 01, < 0. 05 ). Before induction with basiliximab, the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 in recipients were (2.90 ±0. 21 ), ( 1.67 ±0. 12),(2. 45 ± 0. 16) ng/L respectively. But they were ( 2. 78 ± 0. 17 ), ( 1.58 ± 0. 07 ), ( 2. 77 ± 0. 24 ) ng/L respectively after induction with basiliximab, which showed significantly different ( t = 5. 605, 6.011,4. 126, P <0. 01, <0. 01, <0. 05). Four weeks after kidney transplantation in recipients with basiliximab,the levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4 were (2. 90 ± 0. 31 ), (9. 08 ± 0. 16), (2. 73 ± 0. 11 ) ng/L. While they were (3.28 ±0. 11 ), (4. 17 ±0. 21 ), (2. 11 ±0. 20) ng/L respectively in recipients without basiliximab induction, which were significantly different from those with basiliximab induction (t = 4. 268,4. 263,3.762, P <0. 01, <0. 01, < 0. 05 ). Conclusions Six kinds of cytokines can be measured by cytometric bead array simultaneously and accurately. The data suggests that the detection of multiple cytokines in kidney transplantation recipients by cytometric bead array can provide more guidance for clinical diagnosis and therapy.

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Application of array-based comparative genomic hybridization in primary amenorrhea women

Qiong FENG ; Fang FU ; Can LIAO ; Xin YANG ; Liang ZHANG ; Feng TIAN ; Bin CAI ; Shuai LIU

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(11):1079-1082. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.11.016

Objective To explore the molecular mechanisms of primary amenorrhea by using arrayCGH technology. Methods Ten patients with primary amenorrhea and 10 female volunteers with regular menstrual cycles as healthy controls were selected. All patients and control samples were analyzed by conventional chromosome analysis (G-banding technology) and array-CGH technology, respectively. ArrayCGH was performed using Affymetrix Cytogenetic 2. 7M arrays following the manufacturer's standard protocol. Results Both the patient group and control group analyzed by conventional G-banding karyotype technology showed a negative result with a normal female karyotype: 46, XX. The result of array-CGH analysis demonstrated a microdeletion of approximately 110 000 bp located at the end of the short arm of X chromosome [46, X, del (X) (p22. 33 )] were identified in 5 patients, which was not detected in the control group. All healthy control samples by array-CGH analysis showed no pathological DNA copy number variation. Conclusions Array-CGH technology can improve the diagnosis rate of chromosomal disease at the DNA level. It is necessary to provide array-CGH for higher resolution genetic analysis of idiopathic primary amenorrhea patient who can not be identified by conventional technology.

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Integration of sperm motility and chemotaxis screening with a microchannel-based device

Lan XIE ; Rui MA ; Chao HAN ; Kai SU ; Qiufang ZHANG ; Tian QIU ; Lei WANG ; Guoliang HUANG ; Jie QIAO ; Jundong WANG ; Jing CHENG

Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2010;33(11):1066-1072. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1009-9158.2010.11.014

Objective Sperm screening is an essential step in IVF procedures. The swim-up method, an assay on sperm motility, is used clinically to select the ideal sperm for subsequent manipulation. However, additional parameters, including acrosome reaction capability, chemotaxis, and thermotaxis are also important indicators of mammalian sperm health. To monitor both sperm motility and chemotaxis simultaneously during sperm screening, we designed and constructed a microdevice comprising a straight channel connected with a bi-branch channel that mimics the mammalian female reproductive tract. Methods The width and length of the straight channel were optimized to select the motile sperm. Cumulus cells were selectively cultured in the bi-branch channel to generate a chemoattractant-forming chemical gradient. Sperm chemotaxis was represented by the ratio of the sperm swimming towards different branches. Results The percentage of motile sperm was improved from ( 58. 5 ± 3. 8 ) % to ( 82. 6±2.9)% by a straight channel 7 mm in length and 1 mm in width. About 10% of sperm were found chemotactically responsive in our experiment, which is consistent with previous studies. Conclusion The combined evaluation of both sperm motility and chemotaxis was achieved for the first time, and the motile and chemotactically responsive sperm can be easily enriched on a lab-on-a-chip device to improve IVF outcome.

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