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Intracytoplasmic injection of morphologically selected spermatozoa (IMSI) improves outcome after assisted reproduction by deselecting physiologically poor quality spermatozoa

  • Assisted Reproduction Technologies
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Abstract

Purpose

We used computer assisted sperm selection (MSOME) during cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection to test whether this technique improves results over traditional ICSI protocols. We also used the TUNEL assay to test whether MSOME could deselect physiologically abnormal spermatozoa.

Methods

Individual spermatozoa were examined with MSOME. Normal and abnormal spermatozoa were tested for the level of DNA fragmentation using TUNEL assay. In a prospective, randomized trial, patients were selected for standard ICSI, or IMSI techniques. We tested the two groups for biological and clinical parameters.

Results

64.8% of spermatozoa, otherwise selectable for ICSI, were characterized by abnormalities after computer-assisted sperm analysis. These sperm were also characterized by an increase in the level of DNA fragmentation. We noted an increase in embryo quality, pregnancy and implantation rates after computerized sperm selection during ICSI procedures.

Conclusions

Computerised selection of spermatozoa during ICSI procedures deselects physiological abnormal spermatozoa and improves clinical results.

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Acknowledgements

A grant from Merck-Serono was provided to Dr Coppola for this work. We thank Vincenzo Monfrecola for his assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Fecondazione Assistita, Clinica Villa del Sole, Via Manzoni 15, 80122, Napoli, Italy

    Martin Wilding, Gianfranco Coppola, Loredana di Matteo, Antonio Palagiano, Enrico Fusco & Brian Dale

  2. Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, II Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80100, Napoli, Italy

    Loredana di Matteo

Authors
  1. Martin Wilding
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  2. Gianfranco Coppola
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  3. Loredana di Matteo
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  4. Antonio Palagiano
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  5. Enrico Fusco
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  6. Brian Dale
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Martin Wilding.

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Capsule

The use of computer assisted sperm selection improves results after ICSI due to the deselection of physiologically abnormal spermatozoa.

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Wilding, M., Coppola, G., di Matteo, L. et al. Intracytoplasmic injection of morphologically selected spermatozoa (IMSI) improves outcome after assisted reproduction by deselecting physiologically poor quality spermatozoa. J Assist Reprod Genet 28, 253–262 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9505-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9505-5

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