Predictive value of classical and automated sperm analysis for in-vitro fertilization

Abstract

The fertilization rates observed in 122 attempts at in-vitro fertilization were examined in relation to sperm characteristics assessed by visual and automated screening. Using linear regression analysis, a significant correlation was found between the fertilization rate and (i) evaluations in fresh semen sperm concentration, percentages of sperm motility, vitality and normal morphology and velocity, (ii) measurements in swim-up preparations of percentages of sperm motility, vitality and morphology, velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement. No significant correlation was found between the fertilization rate and any of the parameters studied in 24-h-old swim-up suspensions. Analysis by multiple variable stepwise linear regression showed an optimal correlation (R6 = 0.62) between the observed fertilization rate and theoretical calculation obtained from the following predictive function: fertilization rate = -0.3 + (0.008 x swim-up motility) + (0.004 x normal sperm morphology in fresh semen). Introduction of kinematic characteristics studied by automated screening improved the multiple correlation between the calculated and observed fertilization rate in cases of normal or mildly defective semen. Because of the limited availability of motile spermatozoa, automated analysis could not supersede classical sperm analysis in cases of more severe sperm defects.

Liposome-based semen extender is suitable alternative to egg yolk-based extender for cryopreservation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen

“…In our results, ALH was also found significantly higher in LP compared to EY, SL 1 and SL 2 in fresh as well as in frozen-thawed semen. ALH is considered an important motility parameter affecting the outcome of IVF (Budworth et al, 1987;Barlow et al, 1991) and required to accomplish penetration of fertilization barriers surrounding the oocyte, such as the cumulus cell layers and the zona pellucida (Gadea et al, 2004). We observed the higher value of STR and LIN in frozen-thawed samples as compared with fresh samples except in SL 2 in which STR and LIN in fresh semen did not differ significantly than that of frozen-thawed.…”

Differential sensitivity of male germ cells to mainstream and sidestream tobacco smoke in the mouse

“…All kinematic measures of sperm motion were negatively affected, including VCL, VSL, VAP, and ALH (Table 1 and Figure 1). The latter has been associated with impaired ability of the sperm to penetrate through the cumulus cells and reach the egg (Barlow et al, 1991;Verstegen et al, 2002). Interestingly, these effects were apparent even after exposing mice to as little as 20 min of SS smoke a day for 2 weeks, an exposure regimen that produced cotinine plasma levels similar to those found in human passive smokers.…”

Computer assisted sperm analysis: Relationship between the movement characteristics of buffalo spermatozoa and sire fertility

“…The importance of VSL to the fertilizing of the spermatozoa has been observed in many species (Van den Bergh et al, 1998;Silva et al, 2006) and it may play a role in sperm transport through the reproductive tract and penetration of the oocyte (Gillan et al, 2008). Similarly, ALH was shown to affect the outcome of IVF in humans (Barlow et al, 1991) and rats (Moore and Akhondi, 1996). On contrary, few researchers failed to determine an association between motion parameters of semen samples and fertility after AI in bull (Bailey et al, 1994), sheep (Sanchez-Partida et al, 1999), goat (Dorado et al, 2010) and stallion (Nie et al, 2002), due in part to the several factors that influence the fertility of animals (Gadea, 2005).…”