Herpes virus infected spermatozoa following density gradient centrifugation for IVF purposes

Studies have documented the presence of herpes viruses in semen. The aim of our study was to determine whether they persist in semen samples following two-density gradient centrifugation for IVF purposes. Semen samples were collected from 109 men seeking fertility evaluation, prior to IVF treatment. Routine semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. Each sample was treated in a two-density gradient centrifugation using PureSperm (PS). Both untreated and treated samples were screened for the presence of herpes viruses, using PCR. Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square and binomial statistical tests were used; P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. No statistically significant associations were observed between semen parameters and viral presence. Viral DNA was detected in 54% of semen samples: HSV1/2 in 32 samples, EBV in 49, CMV in 47, HHV6 in 9, HHV7 in 4 and VZV in none. PS gradient failed to remove CMV in 89.36%, HSV1/2 in 59.38% and EBV in 22.45% of samples, while HHV6 and 7 were completely removed. Especially HSV1/2 and CMV seem to persist even following PS treatment. These observations indicate the possible risk of oocyte becoming infected during insemination, by IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, with unknown sequelae. Further studies are required to determine whether any correlation exists between their presence, implantation rate and the outcome of pregnancy.     

Presence of HHV‐6 genome in spermatozoa in a context of couples with low fertility: what type of infection?

Human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) is a betaherpesvirus whose genome may integrate into human chromosomes. Chromosomally integrated HHV‐6 (ciHHV‐6) may be transmitted vertically from parents to children. HHV‐6 DNA has been detected in semen, but its integrated or extrachromosomal status has not yet been characterised. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HHV‐6 DNA and to search for ciHHV‐6 forms in spermatozoa purified from semen obtained from subjects explored for low fertility. A total of 184 sperm samples were purified using PureSperm^®. HHV‐6 viral load and species identification were performed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Of 179 sperm specimens analysed, three were positive for HHV‐6 (1.7%). Two samples (1.1%) had viral loads of 680 232 and 2 834 075 copies per million spermatozoa, compatible with loads expected for a ciHHV‐6 form. The viral load of the third positive sample (73 684 copies per million spermatozoa) was lower than would be expected for ciHHV‐6 infection, implying that the HHV‐6 DNA detected in spermatozoa corresponds mainly to ciHHV‐6. However, viral DNA may also be detected at a low level that is not in favour of the presence of ciHHV‐6. Further studies are necessary to determine the origin of detected viral genomes.     

两种精子优选法对正常形态活动精子回收率的对比研究

目的:探讨两种精子优选法对正常形态活动精子回收率的对比情况。方法:选取我院生殖中心门诊就诊的50例正常精液样本作为研究对象,每份标本分成上游法组和PureSperm法组,观察两组精子优选法优选后精子运动参数、回收效果以及回收率。结果:上游法和PureSperm法其优选后a级精子率、a+b级精子率、VCL、VSL、VAP、ALH、BCF、LIN、WOB、STR等指标均明显优于优选前(P<0.05),但两组优选法后精子运动参数比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05);优选后上游法和PureSperm法其密度、活力、头部、中段和尾端畸形率、SDI均明显优于优选前(P<0.05),其中PureSperm法优选后密度明显高于上游法,但活力明显低于上游法(P<0.05),活力、头部、中段和尾端畸形率、SDI等两种优选法比较无统计学差异(P>0.05);PureSperm密度梯度离心法a级活动精子和a+b级活动精子和正常形态活动精子回收率明显高于上游法(P<0.05),差异有统计学意义。结论:两组精子优选法均可获得较好的优选精子,PureSperm密度梯度离心法的精子回收率更高,但活力较低。     

PureSperm离心法在宫腔内人工授精周期中优选精子的应用

目的 :探讨PureSperm离心法在宫腔内人工授精 (IUI)周期中优选精子的效果。　方法 :采用PureSperm单、双梯度离心法及Percoll双梯度离心法分别处理精液 ,比较 3种方法的处理效果 ,并将处理后的精子悬液施行夫精IUI。　结果 :单梯度PureSperm较双梯度的PureSperm及Percoll洗涤后精子密度显著增加 (P <0 .0 1) ,双梯度PureS perm及Percoll离心法两者差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,3种方法在洗涤后精子活率、畸形率及妊娠率比较差异均无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。洗涤后正常形态的精子数量明显增加 ,白细胞、上皮细胞及细胞碎片等非精子成分明显减少。　结论 :PureSperm离心法是一种高效、简便、安全的IUI精液处理方法。