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Modified Isocratic Capillary Electrophoresis Detection of Cell-free DNA in Semen

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Abstract

Purpose: The objectives were: i) to analyze semen for the presence of cell-free DNA and ii) to determine the association between sperm parameters and cell-free DNA.

Methods: Cell-free DNA in semen (N=25 cases) were detected using the modified capillary gel electrophoresis (CE) procedure. SYBR-Gold was used to stain high (12 Kb) and low (1 Kb) molecular weight DNA fragments and the images analyzed.

Results: The quantity of low-molecular weight cell-free DNA was positively correlated to rapid progression, curvilinear velocity (>40 μ/s), normal strict morphology and capacitation index. High-molecular weight cell-free DNA intensity index was negatively correlated to post-wash hyperactivation. Sperm concentration was not related to cell-free DNA quantity. The sperm freezing process did not increase cell-free DNA but reduced the more labile low-molecular weight cell-free DNA.

Conclusions: Cell-free DNA present in semen was correlated to important sperm parameters linked to normal sperm function. The data suggested the possible use of cell-free DNA as a marker of semen quality. This study reports on the novel finding of cell-free DNA released along with sperm during each ejaculation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, U.S.A.

    Jennifer S. Chou, John D. Jacobson, William C. Patton, Alan King & Philip J. Chan

Authors
  1. Jennifer S. Chou
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  2. John D. Jacobson
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  3. William C. Patton
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  4. Alan King
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  5. Philip J. Chan
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Correspondence to Philip J. Chan.

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Chou, J.S., Jacobson, J.D., Patton, W.C. et al. Modified Isocratic Capillary Electrophoresis Detection of Cell-free DNA in Semen. J Assist Reprod Genet 21, 397–400 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-004-7527-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-004-7527-6

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