Correlation of Post Swim-Up Acrosome Index with in-vitro Fertilization Outcomes

PURPOSE: A prospective study was planned to determine the relationship between post swim-up acrosome index (AI) evaluation and fertilization outcomes in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infertile couples who have applied to IVF were admitted into this study when the male partner's sperm concentration was > 20x106/mL and motility > 30%. Pre- and post swim-up semen quality parameters including concentration, motility, sperm morphology and AI were evaluated in a prospective, randomized and blinded fashion. The couples were divided prospectively into 2 groups. In group I (25 couples) 50 000 sperm per oocyte were used for insemination considering post swim-up acrosome index, and in group II (25 couples) 50 000 sperm per oocyte were used for insemination without considering post swim-up acrosome index. RESULTS: Pre- and post swim-up AI were 30.8 +/- 3.4 and 17.8 +/- 4.5 in group I, and 31.4 +/- 3.6 and 16.3 +/- 4.7 in group II (p > 0.05) respectively. The significant improvement in morphology and motility after double wash swim-up procedure has been observed. However, double wash swim-up procedure could not eliminate head and especially acrosomal defects which would directly effect fertilization capacity in conventional IVF program. In group I, 85.3% of oocytes were fertilized, with a 48% pregnancy rate; in group II, 71.0% of oocytes were fertilized, with a pregnancy rate of 20%. Fertilization and pregnancy rates were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: We have concluded that it could be useful to consider post swim-up AI of sperm inseminated in conventional IVF cycles, which correlates with high fertilization and pregnancy rates.

Biological and morphological effects on the reproductive organ of rats after exposure to electromagnetic field

The biological effect of electromagnetic field [EMF] emitted from mobile phones is a current debate and still a controversial issue. Therefore, little is known on the possible adverse effects on reproduction as mobile phone bio-effects are only a very recent concern. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the biological and morphological effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency [RF] EMF on rat testes. The study was performed in the Physiology and Histology Research Laboratories of Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey in May 2004. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 270 - 320 gm were randomized into 2 groups of 10 animals: Group I [control group] was not exposed to EMF and Group II [EMF group] was exposed to 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks to 900 MHz EMF. Testes tissues were submitted for histologic and morphologic examination. Testicular biopsy score count and the percentage of interstitial tissue to the entire testicular tissue were registered. Serum testosterone, plasma luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] levels were assayed biochemically. The weight of testes, testicular biopsy score count and the percentage of interstitial tissue to the entire testicular tissue were not significantly different in EMF group compared to the control group. However, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the mean height of the germinal epithelium were significantly decreased in EMF group [p<0.05]. There was a significant decrease in serum total testosterone level in EMF group [p<0.05]. Therefore, there was an insignificant decrease in plasma LH and FSH levels in EMF group compared to the control group [p>0.05]. The biological and morphological effects resulting from 900 MHz RF EMF exposure lends no support to suggestions of adverse effect on spermatogenesis, and on germinal epithelium. Therefore, testicular morphologic alterations may possibly be due to hormonal changes