Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Assessment of density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) measurements in couples with male factor infertility undergoing ICSI

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

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate how effectively density gradient centrifugation (DGC) improves sperm nuclear integrity and to determine whether the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test of sperm nuclear integrity in native or DGC-treated semen can predict the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Methods

The DNA integrity of spermatozoa from 63 male factor infertility patients undergoing ICSI was analyzed by the SCD test before and after DGC. The predictive value of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) for ART outcomes was assessed in a cohort of 45 patients who were undergoing fresh embryo transfer. For the analysis, they were divided into pregnant and non-pregnant groups and, independently, into high sperm DFI (DFI > 30 %) and low sperm DFI (DFI ≤ 30 %) groups. Both raw and DGC semen parameters were examined.

Results

In the asthenospermia and oligozoospermia groups, DGC decreased the sperm DFI from 31.5 ± 19.7 and 28.5 ± 10.3 to 19.2 ± 18.3 and 16.0 ± 12.8, respectively (P < 0.01). DGC decreased the sperm DFI in the severe oligozoospermia group from 41.4 ± 19.0 to 36.3 ± 20.6 (P > 0.01). The pregnant and non-pregnant groups did not differ in their fertilization rate and sperm DFI in native or DGC semen (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the high sperm DFI (DFI > 30 %) and low sperm DFI (DFI ≤ 30 %) groups with regard to fertilization rate, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate for both native and DGC semen (P > 0.05). The patients undergoing ICSI with a high sperm DFI had a higher pregnancy loss rate (defined as spontaneous miscarriage or biochemical pregnancy) compared with patients with a low sperm DFI in both the native and DGC semen groups.

Conclusions

DGC highly significantly reduces sperm DNA fragmentation in the semen of ICSI patients, with the exception of those with severe oligozoospermia. The results of the SCD test of sperm DNA fragmentation in native or DGC semen do not correlate with the fertilization rate, implantation rate, or clinical pregnancy rate in patients undergoing ICSI.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Jackson RE, Bormann CL, Hassun PA, Rocha AM, Motta EL, Serafini PC, et al. Effects of semen storage and separation techniques on sperm DNA fragmentation. Fertil Steril. 2010;94(7):2626–30. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.04.049.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Avendano C, Franchi A, Duran H, Oehninger S. DNA fragmentation of normal spermatozoa negatively impacts embryo quality and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. Fertil Steril. 2010;94(2):549–57. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.02.050.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Erenpreiss J, Elzanaty S, Giwercman A. Sperm DNA damage in men from infertile couples. Asian j of androl. 2008;10(5):786–90. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00417.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Benchaib M, Lornage J, Mazoyer C, Lejeune H, Salle B, Francois GJ. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation as a prognostic indicator of assisted reproductive technology outcome. Fertil Steril. 2007;87(1):93–100. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.05.057.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Hughes CM, Lewis SE, McKelvey-Martin VJ, Thompson W. A comparison of baseline and induced DNA damage in human spermatozoa from fertile and infertile men, using a modified comet assay. Mol Hum Reprod. 1996;2(8):613–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Sun JG, Jurisicova A, Casper RF. Detection of deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation in human sperm: correlation with fertilization in vitro. Biol Reprod. 1997;56(3):602–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Manicardi GC, Bianchi PG, Pantano S, Azzoni P, Bizzaro D, Bianchi U, et al. Presence of endogenous nicks in DNA of ejaculated human spermatozoa and its relationship to chromomycin A3 accessibility. Biol Reprod. 1995;52(4):864–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Evenson DP, Jost LK, Marshall D, Zinaman MJ, Clegg E, Purvis K, et al. Utility of the sperm chromatin structure assay as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in the human fertility clinic. Hum reprod (Oxf, Engl). 1999;14(4):1039–49.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Chohan KR, Griffin JT, Lafromboise M, De Jonge CJ, Carrell DT. Comparison of chromatin assays for DNA fragmentation evaluation in human sperm. J Androl. 2006;27(1):53–9. doi:10.2164/jandrol.05068.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Fernandez JL, Muriel L, Rivero MT, Goyanes V, Vazquez R, Alvarez JG. The sperm chromatin dispersion test: a simple method for the determination of sperm DNA fragmentation. J Androl. 2003;24(1):59–66.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Fernandez JL, Muriel L, Goyanes V, Segrelles E, Gosalvez J, Enciso M, et al. Simple determination of human sperm DNA fragmentation with an improved sperm chromatin dispersion test. Fertil Steril. 2005;84(4):833–42. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.11.089.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Zhang LH, Qiu Y, Wang KH, Wang Q, Tao G, Wang LG. Measurement of sperm DNA fragmentation using bright-field microscopy: comparison between sperm chromatin dispersion test and terminal uridine nick-end labeling assay. Fertil Steril. 2010;94(3):1027–32. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.034.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Larson KL, DeJonge CJ, Barnes AM, Jost LK, Evenson DP. Sperm chromatin structure assay parameters as predictors of failed pregnancy following assisted reproductive techniques. Hum Reprod. 2000;15(8):1717–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Tomlinson MJ, Moffatt O, Manicardi GC, Bizzaro D, Afnan M, Sakkas D. Interrelationships between seminal parameters and sperm nuclear DNA damage before and after density gradient centrifugation: implications for assisted conception. Hum Reprod. 2001;16(10):2160–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Bungum M, Spano M, Humaidan P, Eleuteri P, Rescia M, Giwercman A. Sperm chromatin structure assay parameters measured after density gradient centrifugation are not predictive for the outcome of ART. Hum reprod (Oxf, Engl). 2008;23(1):4–10. doi:10.1093/humrep/dem353.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Jayaraman V, Upadhya D, Narayan PK, Adiga SK. Sperm processing by swim-up and density gradient is effective in elimination of sperm with DNA damage. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2012;29(6):557–63. doi:10.1007/s10815-012-9742-x.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Zini A, Meriano J, Kader K, Jarvi K, Laskin CA, Cadesky K. Potential adverse effect of sperm DNA damage on embryo quality after ICSI. Hum Reprod. 2005;20(12):3476–80. doi:10.1093/humrep/dei266.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Borini A, Tarozzi N, Bizzaro D, Bonu MA, Fava L, Flamigni C, et al. Sperm DNA fragmentation: paternal effect on early post-implantation embryo development in ART. Hum Reprod. 2006;21(11):2876–81. doi:10.1093/humrep/del251.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Bungum M, Humaidan P, Axmon A, Spano M, Bungum L, Erenpreiss J, et al. Sperm DNA integrity assessment in prediction of assisted reproduction technology outcome. Hum Reprod. 2007;22(1):174–9. doi:10.1093/humrep/del326.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Lin MH, Kuo-Kuang Lee R, Li SH, Lu CH, Sun FJ, Hwu YM. Sperm chromatin structure assay parameters are not related to fertilization rates, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, but might be related to spontaneous abortion rates. Fertil Steril. 2008;90(2):352–9. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.06.018.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. de la Calle JF V, Muller A, Walschaerts M, Clavere JL, Jimenez C, Wittemer C, et al. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation as assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion test in assisted reproductive technology programs: results of a large prospective multicenter study. Fertil Steril. 2008;90(5):1792–9. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.09.021.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Simon L, Brunborg G, Stevenson M, Lutton D, McManus J, Lewis SE. Clinical significance of sperm DNA damage in assisted reproduction outcome. Hum Reprod. 2010;25(7):1594–608. doi:10.1093/humrep/deq103.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Speyer BE, Pizzey AR, Ranieri M, Joshi R, Delhanty JD, Serhal P. Fall in implantation rates following ICSI with sperm with high DNA fragmentation. Hum Reprod. 2010;25(7):1609–18. doi:10.1093/humrep/deq116.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Lu X, Wu Y, Gao XH, Wang YW, Wang L, Sun XX. Effect of letrozole on estradiol production and P450 aromatase messenger RNA expression of cultured luteinized granulosa cells from women with and without endometriosis. Fertil Steril. 2012;98(1):131–5. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.03.055.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Greenblatt EM, Meriano JS, Casper RF. Type of stimulation protocol affects oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, and cleavage rate after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril. 1995;64(3):557–63.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Zini A, Mak V, Phang D, Jarvi K. Potential adverse effect of semen processing on human sperm deoxyribonucleic acid integrity. Fertil Steril. 1999;72(3):496–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Zini A, Finelli A, Phang D, Jarvi K. Influence of semen processing technique on human sperm DNA integrity. Urology. 2000;56(6):1081–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Zini A, Nam RK, Mak V, Phang D, Jarvi K. Influence of initial semen quality on the integrity of human sperm DNA following semen processing. Fertil Steril. 2000;74(4):824–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Aitken RJ, Krausz C. Oxidative stress, DNA damage and the Y chromosome. Reprod (Camb, Engl). 2001;122(4):497–506.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Cox GF, Burger J, Lip V, Mau UA, Sperling K, Wu BL, et al. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection may increase the risk of imprinting defects. Am J Hum Genet. 2002;71(1):162–4. doi:10.1086/341096.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Enciso M, Alfarawati S, Wells D. Increased numbers of DNA-damaged spermatozoa in samples presenting an elevated rate of numerical chromosome abnormalities. Hum reprod (Oxf, Engl). 2013;28(6):1707–15. doi:10.1093/humrep/det077.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Meseguer M, Santiso R, Garrido N, Garcia-Herrero S, Remohi J, Fernandez JL. Effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on pregnancy outcome depends on oocyte quality. Fertil Steril. 2011;95(1):124–8. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.05.055.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Morris ID, Ilott S, Dixon L, Brison DR. The spectrum of DNA damage in human sperm assessed by single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) and its relationship to fertilization and embryo development. Hum reprod (Oxf, Engl). 2002;17(4):990–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Larson-Cook KL, Brannian JD, Hansen KA, Kasperson KM, Aamold ET, Evenson DP. Relationship between the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques and sperm DNA fragmentation as measured by the sperm chromatin structure assay. Fertil Steril. 2003;80(4):895–902.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Huang CC, Lin DP, Tsao HM, Cheng TC, Liu CH, Lee MS. Sperm DNA fragmentation negatively correlates with velocity and fertilization rates but might not affect pregnancy rates. Fertil Steril. 2005;84(1):130–40. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.08.042.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Simon L, Lutton D, McManus J, Lewis SE. Sperm DNA damage measured by the alkaline Comet assay as an independent predictor of male infertility and in vitro fertilization success. Fertil Steril. 2011;95(2):652–7. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.08.019.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Virro MR, Larson-Cook KL, Evenson DP. Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) parameters are related to fertilization, blastocyst development, and ongoing pregnancy in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Fertil Steril. 2004;81(5):1289–95. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.09.063.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Payne JF, Raburn DJ, Couchman GM, Price TM, Jamison MG, Walmer DK. Redefining the relationship between sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation as measured by the sperm chromatin structure assay and outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques. Fertil Steril. 2005;84(2):356–64. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.02.032.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Tesarik J, Mendoza C, Greco E. Paternal effects acting during the first cell cycle of human preimplantation development after ICSI. Hum Reprod. 2002;17(1):184–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Ozmen B, Koutlaki N, Youssry M, Diedrich K, Al-Hasani S. DNA damage of human spermatozoa in assisted reproduction: origins, diagnosis, impacts and safety. Reprod biomed online. 2007;14(3):384–95.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Robinson L, Gallos ID, Conner SJ, Rajkhowa M, Miller D, Lewis S, et al. The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on miscarriage rates: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2012;27(10):2908–17. doi:10.1093/humrep/des261.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Braude P, Bolton V, Moore S. Human gene expression first occurs between the four- and eight-cell stages of preimplantation development. Nature. 1988;332(6163):459–61. doi:10.1038/332459a0.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Lewis SE, Boyle PM, McKinney KA, Young IS, Thompson W. Total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma is different in fertile and infertile men. Fertil Steril. 1995;64(4):868–70.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Tremellen K. Oxidative stress and male infertility–a clinical perspective. Hum Reprod Update. 2008;14(3):243–58. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmn004.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Showell MG, Brown J, Yazdani A, Stankiewicz MT, Hart RJ. Antioxidants for male subfertility. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2011(1):CD007411. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007411.pub2

Download references

Acknowledgment

The authors thank International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated for funding the study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

    Min Wang, Jian Sun, Li Wang, Xiaohong Gao, Xiang Lu, Zhengmu Wu, Yongwei Wang, Kai Liu & Jiewei Tao

  2. Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

    Yu Wu

  3. No. 650, New Songjiang Road, 201620, Shanghai, China

    Yu Wu

Authors
  1. Min Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jian Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Li Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xiaohong Gao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Xiang Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Zhengmu Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Yongwei Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Kai Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Jiewei Tao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Yu Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yu Wu.

Additional information

Min Wang and Jian Sun contributed equally to this work.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wang, M., Sun, J., Wang, L. et al. Assessment of density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) measurements in couples with male factor infertility undergoing ICSI. J Assist Reprod Genet 31, 1655–1663 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0339-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0339-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation