Relationships between sperm motility characteristics assessed by the computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and fertilization rates in vitro

Citation
Y. Hirano et al., Relationships between sperm motility characteristics assessed by the computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and fertilization rates in vitro, J AS REPROD, 18(4), 2001, pp. 213-218
Citations number
22
Categorie Soggetti
Reproductive Medicine
Journal title
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
ISSN journal
10580468 → ACNP
Volume
18
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
213 - 218
Database
ISI
SICI code
1058-0468(200104)18:4<213:RBSMCA>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
Purpose: Some studies have suggested that computer-aided sperm analysis (CA SA) estimates of concentration and movement characteristics of progressivel y motile spermatozoa are related to fertilization rates in vitro. However, it has also been suggested that the greater number of motility parameters a ssessed by CASA does nor imply more precision in predicting fertility. This study was carried out to investigate the relationships between the CASA es timates and fertilization rates in vitro. Methods: Semen quality analysis M,ns performed using CASA in 136 in vitro f ertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles with at least 3 oocytes collec ted. The CASA estimates before and after swim-up were compared between 108 cycles with fertilization rate > 50% ("good" group) and 28 cycles with fert ilization rate less than or equal to 50% ("poor" group). Results: Before swim-up, there were significant correlations between fertil ization rates anti CASA estimates, including amplitude of lateral head disp lacement (ALH) (r = .269), curvilinear velocity (VCL) (r = .297), straight line velocity (VSL) (r = .266), and rapid sprm movement (Rapid) (r = .243). There was also a significant correlation between the fertilization rates a nd straightness (STR) after swim-up (r = -0.178). As for sperm movement cha racteristics there were significant differences of ALH (p < .005), VCL (p < .001), VSL (p < .005), and Rapid (p < .01) between "good" and "poor" group s before swim-up. After swim-up, there were significant differences of VCL (p < .005), average path velocity (VAP) (p < .005), and Rapid (p < .05) bet ween the two groups. Conclusions These results indicate that some of the CASA estimates provide reliable estimation of the fertilizing ability of human sperm. There were s ignificant differences of th e two sperm movement characteristics, includin g VCL and Rapid (before and after swim-up), indicating that the total dista nce traveled by unpin sperm movement might be important in human sperm fert ilizing abilities.