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Comet assay of cumulus cells and spermatozoa DNA status, and the relationship to oocyte fertilization and embryo quality following ICSI

D. Abu-Hassan, F. Koester, B. Schöpper, A. Schultze-Mosgau, B. Asimakopoulos, K. Diedrich, S. Al-Hasani*

*Corresponding author for this work

Abstract

It has been postulated that apoptosis may affect cumulus cell and sperm DNA integrity, and therefore influence the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques. This study investigates apoptotic levels in both cumulus cells and spermatozoa, and their relationship with fertilization and embryo quality after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The neutral comet assay was performed on cumulus cells and semen samples from 55 couples with male factor infertility undergoing ICSI treatment. Cells were fixed in agarose on comet assay slides, lysed in a neutral buffer and submitted to electrophoresis. The cells were stained with SYBR green fluorescent dye, which binds to double-stranded DNA and upon excitation emits light. Analysis showed that there was no correlation between apoptosis levels and the outcome of ICSI (fertilization and embryo quality).

Original languageEnglish
Article number2056
JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online
Volume12
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)447-452
Number of pages6
ISSN1472-6483
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.01.2006

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Research Areas and Centers

  • Centers: Center for Pre-Implantation Diagnostics (PID)

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