Supplementation of the dilution medium after thawing with reduced glutathione improves function and the in vitro fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa

In this study, we evaluated the effects of glutathione (l-gamma-glutamyl-l-cysteinylglycine; GSH) supplementation of the thawing extender on bull semen parameters to compensate for the decrease in GSH content observed during sperm freezing. To address these questions fully, we used a set of functional sperm tests. These included tests of sperm motility assayed by computer-assisted semen analysis, membrane lipid packing disorder, spontaneous acrosome reaction, free radical production [reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation], sperm chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling and acridine orange staining measured by flow cytometry. Finally, the in vitro penetrability of in vitro matured oocytes and the in vitro production of embryos were evaluated. The main findings emerging from this study were that addition of GSH to the thawing medium resulted in: (i) a higher number of non-capacitated viable spermatozoa; (ii) a reduction in ROS generation; (iii) lower chromatin condensation; (iv) lower DNA fragmentation; (v) higher oocyte penetration rate in vitro and (vi) higher in vitro embryo production compared with control group. Nevertheless, GSH had no significant effect on motion parameters or the occurrence of the spontaneous acrosome reaction. Addition of GSH to the thawing extender could be of significant benefit in improving the function and fertilizing capacity of frozen bull spermatozoa.     

活动精子总数与宫腔内人工授精妊娠率的关系

目的探讨处理前后的精液特征对IUI妊娠率的影响。方法收集分析342例不育不孕患者共372个IUI治疗周期,检测记录每个周期精液处理前后的各精液参数,并按照妊娠结果分成两组:妊娠组与非妊娠组,按照处理后精子活动总数(PTMS)分成3组:PTMS<10×106/ml,10×106/ml≤PTMS<20×106/ml,PTMS≥20×106/ml。比较各组间的精液参数和IUI妊娠率。结果372个IUI周期共获得62例妊娠,总周期妊娠率是16.67%,总病例妊娠率是18.13%。妊娠组与非妊娠组各精液参数无明显差别;PTMS<10×106/ml组获得的妊娠率明显低于后两组(P<0.05)。结论当PTMS>10×106/ml时,IUI治疗周期才有可能获得较为理想的妊娠率。     

Decline of semen quality during IVF is not associated with subjective male stress

The aim of the present study was to assess if semen quality declines during in vitro fertilization （IVF） and whether or not this phenomenon is triggered by chronic male stress. In order to test this hypothesis, we first investigated a retrospective cohort of 155 male IVF patients （testing cohort）. Subsequently, we started a prospective cohort study in men undergoing their first IVF and assessed semen quality and subjective male chronic stress using a validated tool, i.e. the Fertility Problem Inventory （FPI） questionnaire. The association between stress and sperm quality decline measured 4-6weeks before the start of IVF （T1） and at the day of oocyte retrieval （T2） was the primary outcome. Live birth rate, first trimester abortion and rate of poor responders were secondary outcomes. In the testing cohort, mean progressive motility, but not mean sperm density significantly declined. There were 78/154 （51%） men who showed a decline in semen density and 50/154 （32%） men who showed a decline in progressive motility. In the validation cohort, progressive motility declined, whereas, sperm density increased from T1 to T2. Of 78 men, 27 men had increased stress （FPI-score 〉 146）. Sperm density and progressive motility were not significantly different in men with and without stress. However, in the presence of male stress, couples had a higher rate of poor responders, miscarriages and a lower rate of live births. Subjective stress is not associated with a decline in semen quality observed during IVF but may be associated with adverse ore~nancv outcome.     

Comparison of sperm preparation methods: effect on chromatin and morphology recovery rates and their consequences on the clinical outcome after in vitro fertilization embryo transfer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of swim-up, PureSperm gradient centrifugation and glass-wool filtration methods for semen preparation and to assess the possible enhancement of the quality of the subpopulation of spermatozoa in terms of sperm concentration, morphology and chromatin condensation. Moreover, to determine the effect of this semen processing technique on the clinical outcome after in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET). A total of 180 semen samples of patients' husbands who were undergoing IVF therapy were prepared by swim-up (G1, n = 60), PureSperm gradient centrifugation (G2, n=60) or glass-wool (G3, n=60) methods. Chromatin condensation was assessed by Chromomycin (CMA3), whereas sperm morphology was evaluated according to strict criteria. In all three semen processing methods, the percentage of chromatin condensed and morphologically normal spermatozoa was higher after semen processing in comparison with native semen samples. The proportion of normal chromatin condensed spermatozoa prepared in glass-wool filtration was significantly higher than that in swim-up (G.I, p=0.02) or PureSperm (G.II, p=0.001). In addition semen processing with PureSperm yields significantly a higher percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa than swim-up (p < 0.001) or glass-wool method (p < 0.002). However, the fertilization, implantation and pregnancy rates, in turn were similar in all semen preparation methods. In conclusion, PureSperm gradient centrifugation yields a higher percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa than shown in traditional swim-up or glass-wool filtration. However, the percentage of chromatin condensed spermatozoa was significantly higher after semen processing via glass-wool in comparison with the other two methods. Nevertheless, there were no significant difference in the fertilization, implantation and pregnancy rates of sperm prepared by means of swim-up, PureSperm or glass-wool filtration. Therefore, glass-wool filtration should be recommended as the first choice for semen preparation for Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique as the natural selection is bypassed. Whereas, swim-up and PureSperm should be used for semen processing in IVF programme.     

精子形态对体外受精-胚胎移植治疗结局及新生儿的影响

目的:探讨正常形态精子百分率对体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)治疗结局及新生儿的影响。方法:采用WHO严格标准法将精液标本分为3组:中度畸形组:正常形态精子百分率5%～10%,轻度畸形组:10%<正常形态精子百分率<15%,正常组:正常形态精子百分率≥15%,比较各组间正常受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎率、种植率、临床妊娠率及新生儿情况。结果:各组间患者年龄(男、女方)差异不显著(P>0.05);中度畸形组正常受精率显著低于轻度畸形组(63.70%vs73.74%,P<0.05),但与正常组差异无统计学意义(63.70%vs68.05%,P>0.05);正常组的优质胚胎率最高,显著高于中度畸形组(44.83%vs35.75%,P<0.05),其他各指标3组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);280个移植周期共分娩125个婴儿,其中单胎分娩73例,双胎分娩26例,出生婴儿未见先天异常,3组间流产率、异位妊娠率、孕周、早产率、出生体重差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:正常形态精子百分率为5%～10%对常规体外受精的受精率无影响,但显著降低优质胚胎率,而10%<正常形态精子百分率<15%对常规体外受精治疗结局的各项指标均无明显影响;正常形态精子百分率在预测IVF-ET的助孕结局及新生儿情况方面存在一定局限性。     

The progesterone‐induced sperm acrosome reaction is a good option for the prediction of fertilization in vitro compared with other sperm parameters

Progesterone (P₄) is crucial for the physiological function of spermatozoa. In the study, we investigated the correlation between P₄‐induced sperm acrosome reaction (AR) and parameters including sperm progressive motility, normal morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and compared the in vitro fertilization (IVF) predictive values of these indicators based on the multivariate regressions analysis and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analyses. The results demonstrated a negative correlation between P₄‐induced sperm AR and the SDF, with the correlation ?9.05 (?17.25 to ?0.84), p<0.05, n = 47). No relationship was found between the sperm progressive motility, normal morphology and the induced AR. The P₄‐induced AR and SDF were both significantly correlated to the fertilization rate. ROC curve analyses indicated that P₄‐induced AR was a better prognostic predictor for the fertilization rate compared with the SDF, with the areas under the curve 0.729 (0.580–0.849), p<0.01 and 0.637 (0.484–0.772), p=0.16 respectively. The cut‐off value for P₄‐induced AR to predict “50% fertilization rate” was 23.4% with sensitivity and specificity of 63.3% and 88.2% respectively. The overall results indicated that the assessment of P₄‐induced AR seemed to be a more sensitive indicator for fertilization rate in vitro compared with other sperm parameters.     

rhGM-CSF体外对人精子运动参数的影响

目的观察体外添加不同浓度的重组人粒细胞-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(rhGM-CSF)对人精子运动参数的影响,探讨其在精子运动中的作用机制。方法健康生育男性和弱精子症患者各10例手淫取精,经简易上游优化处理后的精子与不同浓度rhGM-CSF溶液孵育10min、30min、60min后,采用计算机辅助的精液分析系统检测精子各项运动参数的变化。结果对精液运动参数正常的标本,1ng/ml和10ng/ml的rhGM-CSF溶液能显著提高精子的活率、前向性运动百分率,在10ng/ml时平均直线运动速度也有显著提高。对弱精子症患者精液标本,1ng/ml和10ng/ml的rhGM-CSF溶液能显著提高精子的前向运动百分率和直线运动速度,10ng/ml的rhGM-CSF对精子活率和平均路径速度也有显著性提高。两类精子的曲线运动速度均无显著性变化。结论1ng/ml～10ng/ml浓度范围的rhGM-CSF体外能显著改善精子的运动功能。     

睾酮体外对人精子运动参数的影响

目的通过研究睾酮体外对人精子运动参数的影响,探讨睾酮在男性不育症治疗中的作用。方法10例健康生育男性手淫获得精液,经上游优化处理后的精子与不同浓度的睾酮孵育10、30、60min,10例弱精子症患者手淫取精并与睾酮孵育10、60、120min后,采用计算机辅助的精液分析系统(CASA)检测精子的运动参数。结果50ng/dl(1.73nmol/L)睾酮在体外能显著增强正常人精子的直线速度(VSL)、曲线速度(VCL)和平均速度(VAP),而对活率、前向运动百分率无明显影响,而100ng/dl(3.47nmol/L)睾酮使精子活率和前向性运动百分率均有明显下降(P<0.01);1.04nmol/L～1.73nmol/L浓度睾酮能显著增强弱精子症患者精子的活率、前向运动百分率及VSL,并随着浓度的增加,睾酮作用显著增强,而对VCL和VAP无明显影响。结论低浓度(1.04nmol/L～1.73nmol/L)睾酮在体外显著增高弱精症患者精子的运动参数。     

微流控技术在精子优选及体外受精中的应用

由于传统辅助生殖技术(ART)成功率低,人们在不断追求探索新的技术。大量研究表明微流控技术具有革新传统体外受精(IVF)操作流程的潜能。与传统方法相比,微流控技术应用于精子优选及体外受精具有效率高、时间短、无离心损伤、实时观察筛选效果、微环境相似及自动化等显著优点,为ART提供了新平台。笔者综述了近年来微流控技术在精子活力评价与筛选、精子化学趋向性筛选、体外受精、精子浓度检测、精子分离富集等方面的应用。同时,本文简要讨论了微流控平台原理﹑结构设计及操作流程,聚焦各种方法的优缺点以及临床应用的可能性。可见微流控技术应用于ART仍有一些问题亟待解决,有理由相信其未来发展方向是通过制作高度集成化的平台即体外受精-芯片实验室(IVF-lab-on-a-chip)来实现。     

Comparison between in vitro fertilization outcome of two motile sperm separation methods

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of Percoll density gradient and swim-up methods for motile sperm isolation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program. Methods: The fertilization rate, cleavage rate, embryo developing status and pregnancy outcome of 362 IVF cycles using sperm obtained by the two methods were studied. Results: There was no significant difference in fertilization rate and cleavage rate between the Percoll and swim-up groups. Although the two groups showed no significant difference in the embryo cell number, the percentage of embryos with<20% debris was significantly higher in the Percoll group (77.6%) than in swim-up group (65.9%). The pregnancy rate and the life birth rate were also significantly higher (P<0.01) in the Percoll group (43.7% and 70.3%, respectively) than in the swim-up group (36.6 % and 60.7 %, respectively). Conclusion: The efficiency of the Percoll density gradient method is superior to the swim-up method in motile sperm separation for the IVF-E     

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection in cases with history of in vitro fertilization failure

Aim: To evaluate the effect of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the management of cases with a history of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. Methods: Two groups of patients, 19 with normal semen parameters and a history of IVF failure (metaphase Ⅱ oocytes: 0~30 %) and 28 with severe male factor infertility received ICSI technology during the same period. Ovarian stimulation was achieved by conventional procedure. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte collection was done 35~37 h after human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) injection. Only metaphase Ⅱ oocytes were selected for microinjection. Results: Fertilization was achieved with ICSI in all the patients. The fertilization rate (75.6 %±21.1 % vs. 73.9 %±19.2 %), cleavage rate (85.1 %±19.3 % vs. 82.7 %±22.1 %), clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer cycle (31.6 % vs. 28.6 %) and implantation rate per embryo (15.3 % vs. 14.4 %) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: ICSI is a valuable method for     

Supplementation of IVF medium with melatonin: effect on sperm functionality and in vitro produced bovine embryos

Gamete co‐incubation generates high free radical levels surrounding growing zygotes which may impair subsequent embryo viability. Melatonin eliminates a wide variety of free radicals; hence, we tried to improve in vitro embryo production by adding melatonin to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) media in high (Exp. 1) and low concentrations (Exp. 2), and we evaluated its effect on bull sperm function during IVF co‐incubation time (Exp. 3). In Experiment 1, we supplemented IVF media culture with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mmol of melatonin, along with a no melatonin control group. In Experiment 2, melatonin levels were reduced to 10, 100 and 1000 nmol, with a no melatonin control group. In Experiment 3, spermatozoa were incubated in IVF media with melatonin (as Exp. 2) and functional parameters were analysed at 0, 4 and 18 h. In Experiment 1, only 1 mmol melatonin showed lesser blastocyst rates than control (C: 23.2 ± 6.7% versus 1 mmol: 2.0 ± 1.7%). In Experiment 2, no statistical differences were found in cleavage percentage, blastocyst percentage and total cell count for any melatonin treatment. In Experiment 3, sperm samples with 1000 nmol melatonin had a significantly higher wobbler (WOB) coefficient, a lower percentage of intact acrosomes, a lower percentage of viable spermatozoa with ROS, greater DNA fragmentation and higher DNA oxidation than controls. Total fluorescence intensity for ROS at 10 nmol melatonin was significantly greater than controls (P < 0.05). IVF media with 1 mmol melatonin is deleterious for embryo development, and in lower concentrations, it modulated sperm functionality, but had no effects on embryo production.     

Influence of bacteria and leukocytes on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Summary. The influence of bacteria and/or leukocytes on the outcome of IVF or ICSI is influenced by three factors which have little in common with in vivo conditions: 1) The process of ejaculate preparation (swim-up, Percoll) with antibiotic buffered media; 2) The small amount of inseminated spermatozoa (100000 per culture); 3) The short cultivation time. From the very beginning, these factors limit whatever the influence of bacteria and leukocytes on fertilization and embryonic development in vivo may be. Despite the contradictory results published so far, the influence of bacteria and/or leukocytes on the functional integrity of spermatozoa during the process of IVF or ICSI can be ignored. Furthermore, during IVF or ICSI the spermatozoon does not act as a vector for the transportation of bacteria into the ooplasm.     

精子形态与体外受精胚胎移植临床妊娠结局的关系

目的:当前精子形态对体外受精(IVF)的影响尚存争议,本研究旨在评估正常形态精子百分率在体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)中的应用价值。方法:选择生殖遗传中心659对IVF-ET治疗夫妇,按正常形态精子百分率分为4组,A组(2%)112个周期,B组(≥2%~4%)180个周期,C组(≥4%~5%)74个周期,D组(≥5%)293个周期。比较各组间的受精率、正常受精率、卵裂率、优胚率以及新鲜移植周期的生化妊娠率、临床妊娠率、流产率及活产率等指标。结果:4组间的受精率、正常受精率和可移植胚胎率有差异。C组(71.90%)和D组(72.89%)的受精率均显著高于A组(57.97%)和B组(63.29%)(P均0.05),C组与D组间、A组和B组间均无显著差异(P均0.05)。D组的正常受精率(57.16%)显著高于A组(46.52%)和B组(50.89%)(P均0.05),C组正常受精率(54.67%)显著高于A组(P0.05),其余组间无显著差异(P均0.05)。D组的可移植胚胎率(55.62%)显著高于B组(45.75%)(P0.05),其余组间均无显著差异(P均0.05)。D组的无可移植胚胎患者比例(8.87%)显著低于A组(20.54%)和B组(18.89%)(P均0.05),C组(12.16%)与其余组间均无显著差异(P均0.05)。各组间新鲜移植周期的生化妊娠率、临床妊娠率、种植率、流产率和活产率均无显著差异(P均0.05)。结论:正常形态精子百分率对IVF-ET的受精率及胚胎形成有一定影响,用于评估IVF受精结局时,5%临界值略优于4%。     

Haben bakteriologisch Befunde des Spermas für die in vitro-Fertilisation Bedeutung?

Zusammenfassung: Es wurden insgesamt 140 Ejakulate von Patienten untersucht, deren Ehefrauen an unserem invitro-Fertilisationsprogramm teilnahmen. In 60 Ejakulaten (42,9%) wurden Bakterienkonzentrationen von > 10⁵/ml festgestellt. 80 (57,1%) der Probenwaren negativ oder enthielten Bakterienkonzentrationen von < 10⁴/ml. Mykoplasmen wurden in 30 der untersuchten Ejakulate gefunden (21,4%). Während Enterokokken die zweithäufigste Gruppe der Mikroorganismen stellten und sich in 15 Fällen (10,7%) nachweisen ließen. Nach neuesten Untersuchungen (Riedel 1983, bisher nicht publizierte Ergebnisse) lassen sich auch Anaerobier in etwa 10% der untersuchten Ejakulate finden. Anaerobe Mikroorganismen in Konzentrationen von > 10⁵/ml wurden nicht festgestellt. Nach Insemination von einer oder mehreren pelviskopisch gewonnenen Eizellen mit dem Sperma des jeweiligen Ehemannes wurden in 14 von 22 Fällen (63,3%) mit Bakterienkonzentrationen von > 10⁵/ml die Teilung von wenigstens einer Eizelle erreicht und folglich eine Embryotransferrate von 63,6% erzielt. 14 von 31 Ejakulaten mit negativen bakteriologischen Befunden (45,2%) fertilisierten wenigstens eine der inseminierten Eizellen. Von den bisher erzielten Ergebnissen ist kein direkter Effekt von mit Mikroorganismen kontaminiertem Sperma auf die menschliche in vitro-Fertilisation, ausgedrückt durch reduzierte Fertilisationsraten, daignostizierbar. Da ein negativer Effekt auf die Implantationsraten oder die embryonale Entwicklung nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann, sind gezielte bakteriologische Untersuchungen und möglicherweise antibiotische Behandlungen unbedingt zu fordern, bevor ein Ehepaar in ein in vitro-Fertilisationsprogramm aufgenommen wird. Summary: Is the Sperm Bacteriology Important for the Results of in vitro Fertilization? A total of 140 ejaculates from patients taking part in the in vitro fertilization program were examined. In 60 ejaculates (42.9%) bacteria concentrations of > 10⁵ / ml were found. 80 (57.1%) of the probes were negative or had bacteria concentrations < 10⁴/ml. Microplasma was found in 30 of the examined ejaculates (21.4%) and the second most frequent group of microorganisms were enterococci found in 15 patients (10.7%). Anaerobic organisms in concentrations of more than 10⁵/ml were detected. After insemination of one of more pelviscopically obtained oocytes with sperm of the husband in 14 out of 22 cases (63.6%) with bacteria concentrations > 10⁵/ml the clevage of at least one oocyter occurred leading to an embryotransfer rate of 63.6%. 14 of 31 ejaculates with negative bacteriological findings (45.2%) fertilized at least one of the inseminated oocytes. From the results obtained up to now any direct effect of microorganism contaminated sperm on the human in vitro fertilization system resulting in reduced fertilizations rates cannot be demonstrated. It can be said that there is no correlation between microbiological and cytological findings of ejaculates used for insemination of oocytes and the obtained fertilization, clevage and embryotransfer rates in the human in vitro fertilization program here. But since the negative effect on implantation rates or embryonic development cannot be excluded detailed bacteriological examinations and probably antibiotic treatments may be recommended before admission of the in vitro fertilization program.     

卵胞浆内单精子注射在常规体外受精失败病例中的应用

目的评价卵胞浆内单精子注射(ICSI)对常规体外受精(IVF)失败病例的应用效果。方法对于常规IVF受精失败的病人在第2天进行补救ICSI(A组)21个周期,或在下一个周期直接应用ICSI技术治疗(B组)18个周期。分别与因严重少、弱精子症而行ICSI的243周期(对照组)的受精率、优质胚胎率和妊娠率等进行比较。结果A组的受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎率分别为61.53%、81.73%、72.94%,均比B组的83.87%、97.69%、84.25%显著降低(P<0.05),而两组的多原核率差异无显著性(3.55%vs1.29%,P>0.05)。比较临床妊娠率、种植率和冷冻周期率,B组与对照组均无显著差异,而A组与对照组均有显著差异。结论常规IVF受精失败者可通过第2天补救ICSI或下一周期直接行ICSI而提高受精率和种植率,而后者比前者能获得更好的妊娠结局。     

Programmable fast‐freezing method improves the post‐thaw motion dynamics,integrities of plasmalemma,mitochondrial transmembrane,DNA and,acrosome, and in vivo fertility of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa

The effects of freezing methods (FR1, nonprogrammable/static, 5 cm above liquid nitrogen [LN₂] for 10 min, plunging in LN₂; FR2, programmable medium, +4°C to ?15°C at 3°C min^?1, from ?15 to ?80°C at 10°C min^?1 and final holding for 1 min at ?80°C, plunging in LN₂; FR3, programmable fast, from initial holding at +4°C for 2 min, from +4°C to ?20°C at 10°C min^?1, from ?20°C to ?100°C at 30°C min^?1, final holding for 1 min at ?100°C and plunging in LN₂) were assessed on post‐thaw in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of water buffalo spermatozoa. Mean sperm progressive motility (%), rapid velocity (%), average path velocity (μm s^?1), straight line velocity (μm s^?1), curved line velocity (μm s^?1), integrities (%) of plasmalemma, mitochondrial transmembrane, DNA and acrosome were higher (p < .05) in samples cryopreserved with FR3 compared to FR1 and FR2. Similarly, in vivo fertility (%) of buffalo spermatozoa was higher (p < .05) with FR3 than FR1 (%; 68.0 versus 50.0). We concluded that programmable fast‐freezing method (FR3) improves the post‐thaw in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of water buffalo spermatozoa.     

Subnormal sperm parameters in conventional semen analysis are associated with discrepancies between fertilization and pregnancy rates in in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Three hundred and twenty-eight consecutive treatment cycles in 168 couples were analysed retrospectively in order to examine the influence of conventional semen analysis results on the outcome of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer with respect to the occurrence of both fertilizations and pregnancies. All treatments were performed under maximally standardized and controlled conditions. Each of the three main determinants of the spermiogram, namely the concentration, motility and morphology of sperm in seminal plasma, was of significant importance for fertilization and subsequent pregnancy. Best correlations were achieved by counting the number of progressively (a+b) motile sperm and the number of normally formed sperm in seminal plasma. The pregnancy rate was reduced significantly in cases in which the sperm concentration was < 10 x 10(6) ml-1 (P < 0.01), or in which there was < 40% progressively motile sperm (P < 0.001), or < 30% normally formed sperm (P < 0.001). If more than one parameter in the spermiogram was abnormal, the fertilization rate depended mainly on the most disturbed sperm parameter. The implantation rate as well as the pregnancy rate was reduced significantly in patients with low progressive sperm motility and normal morphology rates. The difference could only be attributed partially to the lower number of embryos replaced. In conclusion, subnormal sperm quality seems to interfere with developmental stages beyond the process of fertilization.     

The effect of the antisperm auto-antibody-bound sperm on in vitro fertilization outcome

Summary.  To evaluate the effects of antisperm auto-antibody-bound sperm on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), 160 infertile couples undergoing treatment by in vitro fertilization were recruited in this study. In the study group (11 couples, 15 cycles), the male partners were positive for antisperm autoantibodies determined by immunobead test (IBT). In the control group (149 couples, 152 cycles), the men had no such antibodies. The percentages of fertilization rate, cleavage rate and pregnancy rate of the study group and control group were 75.0±5.2% vs. 69.3±2.4%; 82.8±3.7% vs. 89.8±1.2% and 6.7% vs. 11.8%, respectively. There were no significant differences in in vitro fertilization outcome between both groups. The region, type and/or percentage of sperm-bound antibodies also had no effect on the in vitro fertilization outcome. In conclusion, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer is not significantly affected by antisperm autoantibody-bound sperm determined by immunobead test.     

男性年龄对常规体外受精-胚胎移植结局的影响

目的:研究男性年龄对体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)治疗结局的影响。方法:按男方年龄将2008至2010年接受常规IVF-ET的夫妇170对分为3组,年龄<35岁组60例、35～39岁组77例,≥40岁组33例,观察男方年龄对IVF的受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎率、着床率、妊娠率及流产率的影响。结果:3组精液量[(3.10±1.22)ml vs(2.84±1.05)ml vs(2.80±0.79)ml]、精子浓度[(54.23±26.07)×106/ml vs(60.27±24.80)×106/ml vs(60.21±27.42)×106/ml]、活动率[(53.93±13.25)%vs(56.10±16.58)%vs(51.82±15.45)%]相比均无显著性差异(P>0.05),≥40岁组的(a+b)级精子的百分率[(40.97±11.91)%]低于<35岁组[(48.47±11.78)%]和35～39岁组[(46.84±13.51)%],结果有显著性差异(P<0.05),≥40岁组精子正常形态[(11.76±5.97)%]与<35岁组[(15.25±6.94)%]相比,结果有显著性差异(P<0.05)。男方年龄≥40岁组的受精率(81.52%)、卵裂率(82.61%)、优质胚胎率(52.33%)、植入率(18.06%)、妊娠率(33.33%)与男方年龄<35岁组(分别为83.18%、82.68%、56.99%、22.40%、40.00%)和35～39岁组(分别为78.78%、80.66%、55.01%、21.74%、38.96%)比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。男方年龄≥40岁组患者的流产率(36.36%)与男方年龄<35岁组(8.33%)相比明显升高,但无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:男性年龄对前向运动精子百分率和精子正常形态率有一定影响,而与受精、胚胎质量、植入率、妊娠率、流产率没有明显的相关性。