Authors: Greco, Ermanno¹; Romano, Stefania¹; Iacobelli, Marcello¹; Ferrero, Susanna¹; Baroni, Elena¹; Minasi, Maria Giulia¹; Ubaldi, Filippo¹; Rienzi, Laura¹; Tesarik, Jan²

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 20, Number 9, September 2005 , pp. 2590-2594(5)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Most studies examining the use of ICSI for cases of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation report poor pregnancy and implantation rates. ICSI with testicular sperm samples has recently been suggested for these cases. Here we test a less invasive approach based on oral antioxidant treatment prior to ICSI with ejaculated spermatozoa. METHODS: Thirty-eight men with an elevated (15%) percentage of DNA-fragmented spermatozoa in the ejaculate were treated with antioxidants (1 g vitamin C and 1 g vitamin E daily) for 2 months after one failed ICSI attempt. In 29 (76%) of these cases this treatment led to a decrease in the percentage of DNA-fragmented spermatozoa, and a second ICSI attempt was performed. Outcomes of the two attempts were compared. RESULTS: No differences in fertilization and cleavage rates or in embryo morphology were found between the ICSI attempts performed before and after the antioxidant treatment. However, a marked improvement of clinical pregnancy (48.2% versus 6.9%) and implantation (19.6% versus 2.2%) rates was observed after the antioxidant treatment as compared with the pretreatment ICSI outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Oral antioxidant treatment appears to improve ICSI outcomes in those patiens with sperm DNA damage, in whom this treatment reduces the percentage of damaged spermatozoa.

Keywords: antioxidant treatment; ejaculated spermatozoa; ICSI; sperm DNA damage; sperm fertilizing ability

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dei091

Affiliations: 1: Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, 00149 Rome, Italy and 2: MAR&Gen, Molecular Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Gracia 36, 18002 Granada, Spain

Publication date: 2005-09-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Greco, Ermanno ;  Romano, Stefania ;  Iacobelli, Marcello ;  Ferrero, Susanna ;  Baroni, Elena ;  Minasi, Maria Giulia ;  Ubaldi, Filippo ;  Rienzi, Laura ;  Tesarik, Jan

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