The effect of semen processing on sperm DNA integrity: comparison of two techniques using the novel Toluidine Blue Assay.
OBJECTIVE
The first goal of this study was to determine the effect that semen processing has on sperm DNA integrity. The second goal was to assess which processing technique (modified swim-up versus density gradient centrifugation) results in a superior sample. DNA integrity was measured using a novel Toluidine Blue Assay.


METHODS
Side-by-side comparison.


METHODS
Raw semen samples were collected from thirty-two male individuals and scored for routine semen analysis. Prior to discarding the specimens identical aliquots were divided and processed by density gradient centrifugation and a modified swim-up technique. The Toluidine Blue Assay was used to analyze raw and processed samples.


RESULTS
Both density gradient centrifugation and the modified swim-up improved DNA quality compared to the unprocessed sample. However, the modified swim-up technique proved superior.


CONCLUSIONS
The swim-up technique generates a sperm sample with better DNA integrity. Should DNA integrity correlate with better pregnancy rates in IUI and IVF, respectively, the swim-up may be the sperm processing technique of choice for these procedures.
Marchesi
Dennis E
DE
Center for Human Reproduction, North Shore University Hospital-NYU School of Medicine, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
Biederman
Hannah
H
Ferrara
Scott
S
Hershlag
Avner
A
Feng
Huai L
HL
D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D014048:Tolonium Chloride / Q000737:chemistry*
D014048:Tolonium Chloride; D004247:DNA