Trying to make heads or tails out of antisperm antibody data.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Antibodies↗
Biomedical subjects
D Katsoff
Publications and source records attributed to D Katsoff.
Transfer of cryopreserved embryos improved pregnancy rates in patients with damage to the functional integrity of the sperm membrane as measured by the hypo-osmotic swelling test.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the pregnancy rates (PRs) after transfer of cryopreserved embryos in patients who have damage to the functional integrity of the sperm membrane as measured by the hypo-osmotic swelling test to those without this defect. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: University-associated IVF center. PATIENTS: Fifty-four patients enrolled in a matched prospective study to evaluate the effects of low HOS scores (<50%) on PRs after IVF-ET were followed to determine the PR after transfer of cryopreserved embryos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Clinical PRs and implantation rates. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with low hypo-osmotic swelling test scores underwent 21 frozen ET cycles, achieved for clinical pregnancies for a PR per cycle of 19.0% and an implantation rate of 7.1%. Twelve patients with normal hypo-osmotic swelling test scores underwent 21 frozen ET cycles, achieved five preganancies for a clinical PR per cycle of 23.8% and an implantation rate of 9.3%. CONCLUSION: Previous studies have demonstrated an adverse effect of low hypo-osmotic swelling test scores on PRs after IVF-ET despite normal fertilization. This adverse effect was not found in the transfer of cryopreserved embryos from males with hypo-osmotic swelling test scores. Further investigation is required to determine how cryopreservation improves the chances of implantation of these embryos.
Cell Membrane↗
Chymotrypsin-galactose treatment of sperm with antisperm antibodies results in improved pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization.
PROBLEM: To determine if chymotrypsin-galactose (CG) treatment of sperm bound with antisperm antibodies (ASA) improves pregnancy rates (PRs) following in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHOD: Patients with > 50% ASA who failed to conceive despite six intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles were included. Initially the sperm treatments were randomized with CG vs culture medium; subsequently only CG treatment was used. RESULTS: There was a significantly lower fertilization rate in those patients inseminated with sperm incubated in culture medium vs CG (27% vs 47%, P < .05 t-test). Similarly, a higher percentage of patients receiving culture medium treatment of sperm had failed fertilization (45%) compared to CG (11%). Though the clinical PRs were higher with CG (21%) tham medium (9.5%), there was no statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: Though the percentage of sperm bound with antibodies are not reduced, we hypothesize that the CG treatment improves fertility by possibly mitigating the antagonistic action of these antibodies.
Autoantibodies↗
The effect of sera antisperm antibodies in the female partner on in vivo and in vitro pregnancy and spontaneous abortion rates.
PROBLEM: To determine the incidence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in female sera from infertile couples or those suffering from recurrent abortions. Also to determine if the pregnancy and/or abortion rates are any higher in those positive versus those negative for ASA. METHOD: All registered patients had sera drawn and ASA measured by indirect immunobead test on initial study. Pregnancy and abortion rates were determined for patients undergoing in vivo or in vitro therapy. RESULTS: There was a low incidence of ASA in patients having in vivo or in vitro treatment. There was no decrease in pregnancy rates (PRs) or increase in spontaneous abortions (SAB) in those positive for ASA. CONCLUSION: Antisperm antibodies in female sera do not seem to be etiologic in causing infertility or SAB. Future studies might consider changing the antigen source from donor sperm to husband's sperm.
Abortion, Habitual↗
Sex selection--on trial again?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Cell Separation↗
The use of chymotrypsin/galactose to treat spermatozoa bound with anti-sperm antibodies prior to intra-uterine insemination.
Anti-sperm antibodies in semen have been associated with a decrease in fertility potential. The question arises as to whether intra-uterine insemination (IUI) can improve pregnancy rates by merely allowing earlier capacitation and close timing to ovulation, or whether certain treatments of the spermatozoa add extra benefit. The study presented herein was designed to compare IUI using Percoll density separation with an albumin treatment versus chymotrypsin/galactose treatment. Sixteen patients were evaluated where IUI was randomized between both sperm treatments. Pregnancy rates/cycle were 25% (eight of 32) with chymotrypsin/galactose-treated spermatozoa compared to only 3% (one of 33) cycles with albumin-treated spermatozoa (P < 0.01). Since it has been reported that the proportions of spermatozoa showing immunobead binding for specific antibodies after chymotrypsin/galactose treatment remain unchanged, the exact mechanism for improvement is unknown; possibly chymotrypsin/galactose interferes with the function of the antibodies.
Autoantibodies↗
The frequency of antisperm antibodies in the cervical mucus of women with poor postcoital tests and their effect on pregnancy rates.
PROBLEM: To determine the impact of the presence of antisperm antibodies (ASAs) in the cervical mucus of female partners in couples with unexplained poor postcoital tests (PCT). Furthermore, the efficacy of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in these same patients was determined by pregnancy rates (PRs). METHOD: Pregnancy rates following IUI in patients with infertility and poor postcoital tests, whether the cervical mucus was positive or negative for ASAs, were evaluated. RESULTS: The 6-month PRs were similar in the ASA negative (40.5%) versus the positive (42.4%) group. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the antifertility effect of ASA may be mainly the immobilization of sperm in the cervical mucus, and thus, performing IUI may effectively correct the problem.
Antibodies↗
A prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of modified swim-up preparation for male sex selection.
A previously published study reporting the use of a modified swim-up technique for sperm preparation prior to insemination which resulted in a high percentage of male births has been criticized for its lack of controls. The present prospective study was initiated to investigate further the efficacy of modified swim-up preparation for male sex-selection when applied in a properly defined control group. Our results showed that the proportion of males born in singleton pregnancies was approximately 50% in the group inseminated following sperm preparation with Percoll and in the control group with no sperm preparation compared with 88.5% in the group treated with the modified method of swim-up sperm preparation prior to insemination. This high rate of males in the group treated with modified swim-up was also observed in singleton pregnancies of women taking ovulation inducing drugs (primarily clomiphene citrate). This contrasts with previous publications in which a higher rate of females was found in clomiphene citrate patients using the albumin separation technique. How the mechanism of the swim-up procedure may result in a high male birth rate remains unclear. A high percentage of y enriched semen was found using fluorochrome quinacrine mustard staining but this procedure may falsely stain autosomal chromosomes. If analysis using sensitive DNA probes fails to confirm the y enrichment of the spermatozoa, one must hypothesize that the modified swim-up procedure damages the x-spermatozoa.
Female↗
Effects of Percoll discontinuous density gradients vs SpermPrep II vs Sephadex G-50 gel filtration on semen parameters.
There are various methods of separating sperm from seminal plasma for subsequent intrauterine insemination (IUI) and for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The purpose of the present study was to assess and compare semen parameters following Sephadex, Percoll and SpermPrep II separation techniques. The SpermPrep II is also a Sephadex preparation but uses a different bead size, less Sephadex and is a quicker method. The specimens (n = 16) were initially evaluated for count, (C; x 10(6)/ml)% motility (MO), grade of motility (GR; %), and HOS test scores. Each specimen was then divided into 3 equal aliquots and prepared as follows: 1) layered onto a modified Percoll discontinuous density gradient column; 2) processed using SpermPrep II; and 3) filtered through a Sephadex gel filtration column (G-50). The results show all 3 treatments yielded lower (p < 0.01) counts as compared to control values but no differences were noted among them. Percoll and SpermPrep II increased MO (p < 0.01) where Sephadex reduced it (p = NS). Percoll and SpermPrep II improved the % of best quality sperm but not Sephadex with SpermPrep II being higher than Percoll. There were increases (p < 0.05) in HOS values in all experimental treatments with SpermPrep II being the best. However, this study did not show as many males with HOS scores below 50% as noted in other studies. Finally, Percoll and SpermPrep II seem equally effective methods for producing high quality sperm for IUI or IVF although SpermPrep II is quite faster.
Centrifugation, Density Gradient↗
Effect of swim-up, Percoll and Sephadex sperm separation methods on the hypo-osmotic swelling test.
The separation of spermatozoa from the seminal plasma is required to prepare the spermatozoa for intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilization and sex selection. This study evaluated the effects of sperm preparation techniques on the functional integrity of the sperm membrane, as measured by the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS). Thirty-four semen specimens obtained from the male partner of infertile couples were evaluated. A semen analysis and HOS test were performed on each specimen. The remainder of the specimen was divided into three equal aliquots, the first prepared using Percoll, the second using a swim-up method and the third using a Sephadex column. After the preparation, a semen analysis and HOS test was performed on each aliquot. The mean and standard deviation for the HOS test was 72.9 +/- 8.5% initially, 71.2 +/- 13.1 after Percoll, 75.2 +/- 15.1 after swim-up and 62.4 +/- 14.5 after Sephadex. Analysis of variance showed that the mean HOS score was the same after Percoll and swim-up as it was initially but significantly lower after preparation with Sephadex. There was also a higher proportion of abnormal semen specimens (HOS less than 50%) after preparation with Sephadex than after the other preparation methods. We recommend the use of the HOS test as part of a screening panel for sperm separation.
Cell Membrane↗
Evaluation and treatment of a male factor component to unexplained infertility.
The standard semen analysis frequently fails to identify subfertile males even when findings are normal and conversely often fails to identify fertile males with subnormal semen analyses. This has created the need to produce other tests of sperm physiology that will better distinguish a fertile from a subfertile specimen. Understanding more about the nature of the sperm defect should lead to the establishment of more specific and effective therapies. Until that time, it would still be reasonable to try some of the available empirical therapies even though they may work merely by a placebo mechanism.
Ascorbic Acid↗
Hypoosmotic swelling: evaluation of sperm tails using strict criteria in cases of globozoospermia.
The semen from two men with globozoospermia was evaluated for hypoosmotic swelling changes and morphologic evaluation of the tail using strict criteria. No abnormalities were noted. Globozoospermia is due to a genetic defect that results in the absence of acrosomal structures. The acrosomal vesicle in the Golgi region does not develop in close contact to the nucleus, which results in the formation of globe-shape heads. Although some semen parameters were abnormal in both cases, they were different types, suggesting no association with round-headed sperm.
Adult↗
Effects of Percoll discontinuous density gradients vs SpermPrep II vs Sephadex G-50 gel infiltration on semen parameters.
There are various methods of separating sperm from seminal plasma for subsequent intrauterine insemination. Some of these same techniques have been employed for female sex selection. The purpose of the present study was to assess and compare semen parameters following Sephadex, Percoll, and SpermPrepII separation techniques. The SpermPrepII is also a Sephadex preparation but uses a different bead size, less Sephadex, and is a slightly quicker method. The specimens (n = 16) were initially evaluated for count, (C; x 10(6)/mL), percent motility (MO), grade of motility (GR; percent) and hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test scores. Each specimen was then divided into three equal aliquots and prepared as follows: (1) layered onto a modified Percoll discontinuous density gradient column; (2) processed using SpermPrepII; and (3) filtered through a Sephadex gel filtration column (G-50). The results show all three treatments yielded lower (P < 0.01) counts as compared to control values, but no differences were noted among them. Percoll SpermPrepII increased MO (P < 0.01) whereas Sephadex reduced it (P = NS). Percoll and SpermPrepII improved the percentage of better quality sperm but not Sephadex; SpermPrepII was slightly higher than Percoll, but the difference was not significant. There were increases (P < 0.05) in HOS values in all experimental treatments, with SpermPrepII having the highest scores. However, this study did not show as many males with HOS scores below 50% as noted in other studies. Percoll and SpermPrepII seem to be equally effective methods for producing high-quality sperm for intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.
Cell Separation↗
Comparison of direct swim-up, mini-Percoll, and Sephadex G10 separation procedures.
A comparison was made of three sperm separation techniques--direct swim-up, mini-Percoll, and Sephadex G-10--on semen parameters, including count, % motility, forward progression, and hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test scores. Overall, the best quality sperm (less debris, best % and quality motility, and best HOS scores) were noted with the direct swim-up procedure. Mini-Percoll resulted in the highest count, but the worst HOS score. Sephadex G-10 resulted in quality of semen specimen almost as good as the direct swim-up procedure, but did allow some noncellular debris and bacteria to filter through the column.
Cell Separation↗
Male:female sex ratio in births resulting from IVF according to swim-up versus Percoll preparation of inseminated sperm.
Two centers have independently reported a higher rate of male to female births following insemination of sperm prepared by a modified swim-up technique. The principle of the modified swim-up is that a small percentage of the x-bearing sperm are the fastest and travel to the top of the supernatant, followed by the y-bearing sperm; the bulk of the x-bearing sperm remain in the pellet. In this technique, the very top layer is discarded and the resulting supernatant is collected, leaving only the pellet. In contrast, with the conventional swim-up technique, the entire supernatant is collected. The study presented herein retrospectively evaluated the male to female sex ratio of births from in vitro fertilization using standard swim-up technique and compared these results to the ratio obtained from separating with Percoll. There were 53% male births with swim-up vs. 54% with Percoll in singleton pregnancies and 51% males with swim-up vs. 40% with Percoll with multiple births. Thus, conventional swim-up alone does not increase percentage of male births.
Cell Separation↗
Failure of test yolk buffer to decrease antisperm antibodies on sperm.
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the suspension of sperm naturally bound or artificially coated with antisperm antibody (ASA) in test yolk buffer (TYB) will reduce the percentage of sperm positive for ASA. Attempts were made to repeat a study performed by Lam et al., in which they claimed a significant decrease in percentage of sperm positive for both IgA and IgG. Furthermore, the study attempted to determine if this methodology would similarly reduce the percentage of sperm naturally bound with ASA. There was no reduction in postincubation levels in percentage of sperm having attachment of IgA or IgG in either the sperm specimens naturally bound with ASA or donor sperm artificially coated with antibodies. Incubation in TYB does not appear to be an effective method to reduce the percentage of sperm bound with ASA. Possibly, it could reduce the amount of ASA bound to each sperm, but this would have to be proven by other studies.
Antibodies↗
Effect of an intermediate hold with vapor freezing on subsequent hypoosmotic swelling in thawed sperm.
Cryopreservation and thawing of sperm exerts an adverse effect on functional integrity of the sperm membrane as measured by the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. Supercooling using the liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapor technique may damage membranes by favoring ice crystal formation. Slight slowing of the cooling process may allow escape of intracellular fluid. This study was conducted to evaluate modification of the LN2 vapor technique by employing an intermediate hold in a freezer (to slow down the rate of cooling) on HOS scores on specimens thawed 1 month after freezing. Semen samples were obtained from male partners of infertile couples with a requirement of a baseline HOS score < 70% but > or = 60%. The HOS test was performed on the unprepared semen sample prior to freezing and immediately post-thaw 1 month later on the aliquot frozen with LN2 vapors only vs. the equal fraction subjected to an intermediate hold. The mean initial HOS score was 68.5% and was 47% in thawed specimens that had been cryopreserved with and without an intermediate hold. There were no differences in the percentage of specimens exhibiting a > 50% HOS score following vapor freeze (70%) or vapor freeze with a hold (74%). Thus, these data do not demonstrate any advantage of slowing the vapor freezing process by utilizing an intermediate hold.
Cell Membrane↗
Effect of pentoxifylline added to freezing media on subsequent post-thaw hypoosmotic swelling test and other semen parameters.
This study evaluated the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on post-thaw semen parameters as well as the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. Fourteen samples were evaluated for volume, count, motility, % grade A sperm, and HOS test. Two aliquots were frozen, one in freezing medium and the other in a 3 mM solution of PTX and freezing medium. Both groups were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapors for 30 min. Thawing was performed at 37 degrees C for 15 min, followed by a wash with 2 parts 0.5% HSA/MHTF to 1 part sample. Pellets were resuspended in 0. MHTF and then evaluated as described above. In addition, motility was evaluated 2 h post-thaw. Following freeze-thaw, the mean motile densities were similar (17.5 x 10 motile/mL vs. 20.4 x 10(6) motile/mL for PTX and control, respectively). Two hours post-thaw, the PTX group had a mean sperm motility of 31.3% vs. 37.7% for the control group (p > .05). There were no significant differences in % grade A sperm in PTX (13.0%) vs. control (12.0%). Similarly, HOS scores did not improve following cryopreservation (43.0% and 50.6% for PTX and control, respectively). Thus, no improvement was found by freezing sperm with PTX.
Analysis of Variance↗