The effects of different sperm preparation methods and incubation time on the sperm DNA fragmentation

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effect of different sperm preparation methods and incubation times post preparation on sperm DNA fragmentation. Methods: Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) method on motile sperm prepared by gradient centrifugation or swim-up and incubated in IVF medium for up to 24 hours. Data were analyzed to discover the effect of preparation methods and incubation times on sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI). Results: There were no differences in DFI in sperm samples prepared by gradient centrifugation method or swim-up (3.87 ± 2.14 vs. 3.45 ± 1.83, p = 0.544). However, an increase was observed in DFI in samples prepared by swim-up after 6–8 hours compared with by gradient centrifugation (34° vs. 13°, p = 0.04). In the swim-up group, the DFI level at 4 hours was already significantly higher than it was initially. However, following gradient centrifugation, the DFI at 8 hours was significantly higher than the initial DFI level. Conclusion: Sperm samples prepared by gradient centrifugation may be more stable compared to samples prepared by swim-up in terms of DNA Fragmentation.

Keywords::

• sperm DNA fragmentation
• sperm chromatin dispersion
• sperm preparation

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Ling Chee, Ph.D., for her contributions to this paper.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.