Evaluation of sperm mitochondrial function using Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining / 中华男科学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility and clinical significance of detecting sperm mitochondrial function by using Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining and flow cytometry analysis, and to explore the relationship between the results of Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining and seminal parameters.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-three semen samples were classified as normal (n=31) and abnormal (n=32) according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining was then carried out to evaluate sperm mitochondrial function by flow cytometry analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Significant differences in Rh123+ PI-, Rh123- /PI+ and Rh123- /PI- were detected between the normal and abnormal semen samples (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the Rh123+ PI- sperm and sperm motility and a significant inverse correlation between Rh123+ PI- and immotile sperm. But the Rh123- PI+ sperm showed a contrary relationship with Rh123+ PI-. A significant inverse correlation was also observed between the Rhl23- /PI- sperm and sperm concentration in the abnormal group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining and flow cytometry analysis can readily and quickly detect sperm mitochondrial function and be used to evaluate semen quality.</p>