Swim up and Gradient Methods Used in Assisted Reproduction Techniques on DNA Fragmentation of Spermatozoa

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Sperms are prepared by sperm washing techniques before used in assisted reproductive technologies. Most commonly used sperm preparation methods are the swim up and the density gradient. Recent studies shows that the DNA integrity status of the spermatozoa is related to the success in assisted reproduction techniques. Sperm preparation methods may theoretically cause damage to sperm DNA. Therefore it is important to select the optimum method of sperm preparation causing least sperm DNA damage. Aim of our study is to investigate and compare the effect two different sperm preparation techniques on DNA fragmentation.

Official Title
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The Effect of Swim up and Gradient Methods Used in Assisted Reproduction Techniques on DNA Fragmentation of Spermatozoa

Conditions
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Male Infertility, Unexplained Infertility

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: swim-up, density gradient sperm preparation techniques


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Male factor subfertile group: Couples of having at least two abnormal sperm analysis according to WHO criteria. Unexplained subfertile group: Couples with normal sperm parameters, plus females with normal ovulatory status and patent fallopian tubes by hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy. No previous IVF or IUI attempts before the study Exclusion Criteria: Severe oligospermia (Sperm count < 5 Millions/ per ml) Systemic diseases or therapies influencing DNA integrity for male partner

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 45 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Swim up, density gradient<br>swim-up and density gradient sperm preparation techniques in male factor infertility and unexplained infertility groups | Procedure: swim-up, density gradient sperm preparation techniques<br>* Sperms are prepared by sperm washing techniques before used in assisted reproductive technologies. Most commonly used sperm preparation methods are the swim up and the density gradient. Recent studies shows that the DNA integrity status of the spermatozoa is related to the success in assisted reproduction techniques. Sperm preparation methods may theoretically cause damage sperm DNA. Therefore it is important to select the optimum method of sperm preparation causing least sperm DNA damage. Aim of our study is to investigate and compare the effect two different sperm preparation techniques on DNA fragmentation.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The change in the rate of DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa after sperm preparation with either swim-up or density gradient techniques. | The change in the rate of DNA fragmented spermatozoa will be assessed before and immediately after the sperm preparation is completed, because DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa may be increased in time. | DNA fragmentation assay is performed just before and immediately after the sperm preparation is completed. The time frame is within an hour. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Spermatozoa, DNA fragmentation, Swim-up, Density gradient