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Relationship between fertilization rate and early apoptosis in sperm population of infertile individuals
Author(s) -
Tavalaee M.,
Deemeh M. R.,
Arbabian M.,
Kiyani A.,
NasrEsfahani M. H.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
andrologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1439-0272
pISSN - 0303-4569
DOI - 10.1111/and.12038
Subject(s) - human fertilization , andrology , sperm , male infertility , population , apoptosis , biology , infertility , gynecology , medicine , genetics , pregnancy , environmental health
Summary Integrity of the sperm membrane, of which phosphatidyl serine ( PS ) plays a central role, is essential for fertilization. The externalisation of PS ( EPS ) occurs during capacitation and the acrosome reaction. EPS , from the inner to the outer membrane, is considered as a sign of early apoptosis. Therefore, EPS may have a dual function in sperm. This study has evaluated the relationship between EPS and fertilization, embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in couples who were candidates for ICSI . Semen samples were collected from 43 ICSI candidates and assessed according to W orld H ealth O rganization guidelines for semen parameters. EPS was assessed by Annexin V and propidium iodide ( PI ) staining. Protamine deficiency was assessed by c hromomycin A 3 ( CMA 3) staining. A significant positive correlation was observed between the percentages of fertilization and annexin‐positive PI ‐negative ( A n + PI − ) sperm. There was a significant negative correlation between the percentages of protamine‐deficient sperm with the percentage of fertilization. In addition, the percentage of A n + PI − sperm in individuals with fertilization rates higher and lower than 50% significantly differed. The percentage of annexin‐positive PI ‐positive ( A n + PI + ) sperm in semen of the partners of pregnant women significantly differed from the partners of nonpregnant women. In conclusion, if A n + PI − is a sign of capacitation and A n + PI + is a sign of apoptosis, the results suggest that semen samples with a higher ability to undergo capacitation have a higher chance to result in successful fertilization post‐ ICSI . The presence of a high percentage of apoptotic sperm in the insemination sample before capacitation may reduce the chances of pregnancy.