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Sperm preparation before freezing improves sperm motility and reduces apoptosis in post-freezing-thawing sperm compared with post-thawing sperm preparation

  • Gamete Biology
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate whether sperm preparation (swim-up technique) before freezing improves the percentages of sperm motility, sperm viability, and non-apoptotic spermatozoa after freezing-thawing process compared with preparation after cryopreservation.

Methods

Semen samples from 65 infertile males were equally divided into two aliquots one of which was processed for swim-up prior to cryopreservation and one of which was processed following cryopreservation. Sperm count, motility, and apoptosis index were measured in each group.

Result (s)

The total sperm count and the total motile sperm count decreased after thawing in both the pre-preparation and non-preparation groups compared with neat semen group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the percentage of apoptotic sperm in the pre-preparation group after cryopreservation was lower than that in the non-preparation group (P < 0.05), whereas the percentage of vital sperm with progressive motility was higher than that in the pre-preparation group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion (s)

Semen preparation by swim-up before freezing resulted in better sperm quality and fewer apoptotic sperm than sperm preparation after thawing. Therefore, sperm preparation before cryopreservation should be considered in routine sperm cryopreservation.

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Acknowledgments

The study was financially supported by the Siriraj Grant for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. I would like to thank Orawan Makemaharn, Suphadtra Phornwilardsiri, Suvana Sangchoo, Sukanya Sriiam, and all of the staff members in the Infertility Unit for their help in conducting the study. Finally, I would like to thank all participants in this research.

Conflict of interests

The study involves no conflict of interests and was financially supported by a Siriraj Grant for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive and Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand

    Somsin Petyim, Isarin Thanaboonyawat, Pitak Laokirkkiat & Roungsin Choavaratana

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University Bangkok, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand

    Chanon Neungton

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  1. Somsin Petyim
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  2. Chanon Neungton
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  3. Isarin Thanaboonyawat
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  4. Pitak Laokirkkiat
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  5. Roungsin Choavaratana
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Correspondence to Somsin Petyim.

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Author contributions

S.P. contributed to the conception and design of the study, conducted the experiments, performed data analysis and interpretation, and prepared the manuscript. C.N. participated in the experiments and data acquisition, conducted statistical analysis, and was involved in the manuscript preparation. I.T. was involved in revising the manuscript. P.L. and R.S. provided suggestions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Capsule Pre-freezing sperm preparation by swim-up technique improves sperm motility and reduces apoptosis in post-freezing-thawing sperm compared with post-thawing sperm preparation.

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Petyim, S., Neungton, C., Thanaboonyawat, I. et al. Sperm preparation before freezing improves sperm motility and reduces apoptosis in post-freezing-thawing sperm compared with post-thawing sperm preparation. J Assist Reprod Genet 31, 1673–1680 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0332-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0332-y

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