Effect of sperm DNA damage and microfluidic sperm sorting on fertilization and embryo euploidy rates

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 CIMAB, Barcelona Male Infertility Centre. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) spin-off. C/Vallcorba 1A-3A, Sant Quirze del Vallès (08192 Barcelona) Spain.

2 UEG, Unitat d'Endocrinologia Ginecològica. C/Bisbe Torras i Bages 4, Vic (08500 Barcelona) Spain.

10.22074/ijfs.2024.2007775.1499

Abstract

Background: Sperm DNA fragmentation is an important factor affecting male’s fertility. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of single- and double-strand breaks (SSB and DSB) in sperm DNA on fertilization and embryo euploidy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Of the different sperm selection techniques, only a novel microfluidic sperm sorting (MSS) device has been shown to reduce both SSB and DSB in semen samples. The second objective was to study the effect the MSS device on fertilization and euploidy rates.

Methods: This retrospective study included 167 infertile couples. SSB and DSB were analysed using the alkaline and neutral CometAssay. Fertilization and embryonic euploidy rates were studied according to SSB and DSB values, respectively. Density gradients centrifugation (DGC) and the ZyMōt™ICSI device were used for sperm selection.

Results: Fertilization rates in 167 ICSI cycles were found to be lower when using sperm from patients with abnormal SSB values (58.49%) compared to patients with normal SSB values (70.84%) and also patients with abnormal SSB whose samples were also selected using the MSS device (69.71%). Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) revealed that embryo euploidy rate was lower in patients with abnormal DSB values (36.84%) compared to patients with normal SSB values (60.00%) and also patients with abnormal SSB that their sperm were selected by the MSS device (44.59%). Considering female age, a lower number of euploid embryos were found in women ≥35 years of age, as compared to younger women, independently of SSB or DSB values. The number of euploid embryos increased in both groups of women age when the MSS device was used.

Conclusion: High SSB and DSB values in the sperm cells decreased fertilization rates and embryonic euploidy, respectively. The ZyMōt™ICSI device for semen preparation increased both rates, especially in couples including women at <35 years old.

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International Journal of Fertility and Sterility

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 February 2024

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