Investigation on the mechanisms of human sperm DNA damage based on the proteomics analysis by SWATH-MS.

Background: Spermatozoa have the task of delivering an intact paternal genome to the oocyte and supporting successful embryo development. The detection of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been emerging as a complementary test to conventional semen analysis for male infertility evaluation, but the mechanism leading to SDF and its impact on assisted reproduction remain unclear. Therefore, the study identified and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins of sperm with high and low SDF.

Investigation of the mechanisms leading to human sperm DNA damage based on transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq techniques.

Research Question: What are the molecular mechanisms leading to human sperm DNA damage?

Design: Semen samples were collected and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was assessed. Differentially expressed RNA in spermatozoa with a high (DFI ≥30%, experimental group) or normal (DFI <30%, control group) DFI were identified by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was performed. Three differentially expressed RNA related to sperm DNA damage and repair, namely PMS1, TP53BP1 and TLK2, were validated using real-time quantitative (RT-qPCR).

Estrogen supplementation to progesterone as luteal phase support in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analyses have found conflicting results with respect to the use of progesterone or progesterone plus estrogen as luteal phase support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols involving gonadotropins and/or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. The aim of the present study was to perform an updated meta-analysis on the efficacy of progesterone versus progesterone plus estrogen as luteal phase support. We searched the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases (up to March 18, 2014).

[Comparison of the methods of separating high-quality sperm for intrauterine insemination].

Objective: To analyze and compare the pregnancy rates of intrauterine insemination (IUI) achieved by 3 optimized methods of separating high-quality sperm.

Methods: The data from 452 infertile couples who underwent 671 IUI cycles in our reproductive medicine center were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups: 5% HSA Earle's swim-up, SpermRinse swim-up and SupraSperm density gradient centrifugation according to different methods for separating high-quality sperm, and the clinical pregnancy rates were compared.