Association of sperm apoptosis and DNA ploidy with sperm chromatin quality in human spermatozoa.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship among sperm apoptosis, sperm chromatin status, and DNA ploidy in different sperm fractions.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Reproductive research center in a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
Sperm prepared by density gradient were evaluated for sperm count, motility, apoptosis, and sperm chromatin assessment.


METHODS
Sperm count, sperm motility, toluidine blue (TB) results, DNA fragmentation index (%DFI), high DNA stainability, DNA cytometry, and early and late apoptosis.


RESULTS
Sperm motility was related to late apoptotic and subhaploid apoptotic sperm (r = -0.56 and -0.53, respectively). The sperm %DFI showed significant correlation with late apoptotic and subhaploid sperm (r = 0.62 and 0.68). TB-stained sperm were significantly correlated with late apoptotic sperm (r = 0.51). Significantly higher proportions of haploid sperm and light blue TB-stained sperm were seen in mature compared with immature fractions.


CONCLUSIONS
Even in semen samples with low %DFI, semen processing results in a lower incidence of nuclear immaturity and subhaploidy, but the incidence of late apoptotic sperm remains unchanged. Therefore, simultaneous evaluation of apoptosis and sperm chromatin status is important for processing sperm in assisted reproductive procedures.
Mahfouz
Reda Z
RZ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic, Reproductive Research Center, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Sharma
Rakesh K
RK
Said
Tamer M
TM
Erenpreiss
Juris
J
Agarwal
Ashok
A
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011003:Ploidies; D055101:Semen Analysis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D014048:Tolonium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology
D002843:Chromatin; D014048:Tolonium Chloride