High-magnification selection of spermatozoa prior to oocyte injection: confirmed and potential indications.

Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) involves the use of differential interference contrast microscopy at high magnification (at least ·6300) to improve the observation of live human spermatozoa (particularly by showing sperm head vacuoles that are not necessarily seen at lower magnifications) prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into the oocyte. However, a decade after IMSI's introduction, the technique's indications and ability to increase pregnancy and/or birth rates (relative to conventional ICSI) are subject to debate. In an attempt to clarify this debate, this work performed a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed database was searched from 2001 onwards with the terms 'IMSI', 'MSOME' and 'high-magnification, sperm'. Out of 168 search results, 22 relevant studies reporting IMSI outcomes in terms of blastocyst, pregnancy, delivery and/or birth rates were selected and reviewed. The studies' methodologies and results are described and discussed herein. In view of the scarcity of head-to-head IMSI versus ICSI studies, the only confirmed indication for IMSI is recurrent implantation failure following ICSI. All other potential indications of IMSI require further investigation.

Inverse correlation between chromatin condensation and sperm head size in a case of enlarged sperm heads.

Among sperm morphology abnormalities, macrocephalic and large-headed spermatozoa are commonly associated with a low chance of pregnancy, mainly in relation to meiotic abnormalities during spermatogenesis. Here is reported the case of a patient with 98% of spermatozoa showing abnormal morphology, many having enlarged heads (47%). Sperm-head measurement, sperm fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis, sperm chromatin decondensation and molecular biology were performed. Fifty-six percent of the sperm displayed a large head (length >4.7 µm and width >3.2 µm), and the mean sperm-head area was 15.8±3.8 µm(2) (9.7±1.5 µm(2) and 9.3±1.4 µm(2) for two controls). Normal chromosomal content was found in 97% of the cells and no aurea kinase C-gene mutation was found. Mean sperm chromatin decondensation rate was 46%, 64% for large-head forms and 10% for other forms. This is, as far as is known, one of the first cases of semen with enlarged-head spermatozoa linked to sperm chromatin condensation dysfunction with no major meiotic dysfunction. The study centre advised the couple to undergo intracytoplasmic sperm injection with the patient's spermatozoa.

Glycolytic profile in normal brain tissue and gliomas determined by a micro-method analysis.

High aerobic glycolysis is frequent in cancers. Glucose phosphorylation is under control of hexokinase which is found in the cytosol or bound to mitochondria. Glycolysis parameters (glucose, pyruvate and lactate) and hexokinase were evaluated in extracts of 15 human gliomas and of normal brain tissue. Extracts were run and analysed for glucose lactate and pyruvate content using a centrifugal automatic analyzer, Mitochondria fractions were separated from total extracts and hexokinase enzymatic activities were measured in both, using an original micro-method. Conditions of hexokinase assay were standardized in terms of substrate concentration and linearity. Mean hexokinase activity in gliomas was variable, 3 times lower than in normal tissues and mainly bound to mitochondria, although lactate/pyruvate ratios were found to be 3.5 to 5.4 times higher. Glycolytic profile of tumor tissues can be rapidly assayed and evalated glycolysis in tumors could constitute a basis for therapy using antiglycolytic strategies.