Hyaluronic acid binding ability of human sperm reflects cellular maturity and fertilizing potential: Selection of sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Gabor Huszar (Lead / Corresponding author), Sinan Ozkavukcu, Attila Jakab, Ciler Celik-Ozenci, G. Leyla Sati, Sevil Cayli

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

104 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose of review

The current concepts of sperm biochemical markers and the central role of the HspA2 chaperone protein, a measure of sperm cellular maturity and fertilizing potential, are reviewed. 

Recent findings

Because HspA2 is a component of the synaptonemal complex, low HspA2 levels and increased frequency of chromosomal aneuploidies are related in diminished maturity sperm. We also suggest a relationship between HspA2 expression in elongating spermatids and events of late spermiogenesis, such as cytoplasmic extrusion and plasma membrane remodeling that aid the formation of the zona pellucida binding and hyaluronic acid binding sites. The presence of hyaluronic acid receptor on the plasma membrane of mature sperm, coupled with hyaluronic acid coated glass or plastic surfaces, facilitates testing of sperm function and selection of single mature sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The frequencies of sperm with chromosomal disomy are reduced approximately fourfold to fivefold in hyaluronic acid selected sperm compared with semen sperm, comparable to the increase in such abnormalities in intracytoplasmic sperm injection offspring. Hyaluronic acid binding also excludes immature sperm with cytoplasmic extrusion, persistent histones, and DNA chain breaks.

Summary

Hyaluronic acid mediated sperm selection is a novel technique that is comparable to sperm zona pellucida binding. Hyaluronic acid selected sperm will also alleviate the risks related to intracytoplasmic sperm injection fertilization with sperm of diminished maturity that currently cause worldwide concern.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)260-267
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume18
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2006

Keywords

  • Chromosomal disomy and diploidy
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
  • Sperm maturation
  • Zona pellucida binding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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