Quantitation by image analysis of global DNA methylation in human spermatozoa and its prognostic value in in vitro fertilization: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between sperm DNA methylation level and sperm characteristics and pregnancy rates.


METHODS
Prospective study. Quantitation by image analysis of DNA methylation in sperm nucleus.


METHODS
Department of Reproduction Biology, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France.


METHODS
Infertile couples undergoing IVF-ET.


METHODS
The immunostaining of 5 methyl-cytosine was performed on the spare sperm suspension that was used for an assisted reproduction technology procedure.


METHODS
Sperm characteristics according to World Health Organization criteria, sperm motility parameters with computer-assisted semen analysis, sperm DNA methylation level, and heterogeneity index (HI).


RESULTS
Sperm DNA methylation level and HI are correlated with sperm DNA characteristics. HI is negatively correlated with fertilization rate; sperm DNA methylation level is correlated with pregnancy rate.


CONCLUSIONS
The DNA methylation level in human spermatozoa could be a new approach to evaluating the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize and lead to normal embryo development.
Benchaib
Mehdi
M
Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Lyon, France. benchaib@rockefeller.univ-lyon1.fr
Ajina
Mounir
M
Lornage
Jacqueline
J
Niveleau
Alain
A
Durand
Philippe
P
Guérin
Jean François
JF
D015100:3,3'-Diaminobenzidine; D000328:Adult; D019175:DNA Methylation; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015100:3,3'-Diaminobenzidine; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid