Protamine 2 precursors (Pre-P2), protamine 1 to protamine 2 ratio (P1/P2), and assisted reproduction outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the presence of protamine 2 precursors (pre-P2/P2 ratio) and the protamine 1 to protamine 2 ratio (P1/P2) are related to the assisted reproduction outcome.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Assisted Reproduction Unit and University laboratory.


METHODS
One hundred two infertile patients undergoing treatment at the Assisted Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona.


METHODS
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and/or IVF treatment of the infertile patients, sperm protamine analysis through electrophoresis and densitometry, and pre-P2 analysis through Western blot.


METHODS
The presence of protamine 2 precursors (pre-P2/P2 ratio), sperm P1/P2 ratio, fertilization rates by IVF and/or ICSI, and pregnancy outcome.


RESULTS
Pre-P2/P2 and P1/P2 ratios are positively associated with the pregnancy rate. In addition, the P1/P2 ratio is positively associated with the proportion of embryos obtained by IVF, but not by ICSI. The pre-P2/P2 ratio was not related to the fertilization rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Decreased pre-P2/P2 and P1/P2 ratios are related to a poor pregnancy outcome, but not with the proportion of embryos obtained after ISCI.
de Mateo
Sara
S
Human Genetics Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic i Provincial, Barcelona, Spain.
Gázquez
Cristina
C
Guimerà
Marta
M
Balasch
Juan
J
Meistrich
Marvin L
ML
Ballescà
José Luis
JL
Oliva
Rafael
R
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011479:Protamines / Q000032:analysis*; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000032:analysis*; D013076:Sperm Count; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015415:Biomarkers; C082073:PRM1 protein, human; D011479:Protamines; D011498:Protein Precursors; C068621:protamine 2; C069925:protamine P2 precursor