Assessing the predictive value of hyaluronan binding ability for the freezability potential of human sperm.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the predictive value of a sperm maturation test using the hyaluronan-binding assay (HBA) for freezability potential; and to determine the effect of freezing-thawing on HBA results.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Andrology laboratory at a teaching hospital.


METHODS
Candidates for sperm bank donation (n = 113) and active sperm bank donors (n = 16).


METHODS
Semen analyses including HBA and sperm freezing-thawing.


METHODS
Percentage of sperm HBA results and other sperm parameters in relation to freezing-thawing results.


RESULTS
The predictive value of HBA for high freezability value (>or=40% postthaw motility) was significant. However, 1- and 4-hour percentage of motility had a higher predictive value for good freezability. A better prognostic value than that of HBA resutlts was also found for sperm concentration and percentage of normal morphology. Freezing-thawing had no significant influence on HBA results.


CONCLUSIONS
To the best of our knowledge this is the first demonstration that sperm maturation, determined by the HBA test, has a low value for predicting freezing-thawing sperm survival.
Yogev
Leah
L
The Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel. layogev@zahav.net.il
Kleiman
Sandra E
SE
Hauser
Ron
R
Botchan
Amnon
A
Lehavi
Ofer
O
Paz
Gedalia
G
Yavetz
Haim
H
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D015925:Cryopreservation; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012372:ROC Curve; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D012662:Semen Preservation; D013074:Sperm Banks; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014019:Tissue Donors; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid