Introduction: The novel development of the (HBA) sperm- hyaluronan binding assay has
now been routinely used in some laboratories worldwide to predict sperm maturity and
functionality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between HBA score and
histone deficiency, protamine content and DNA fragmentation.
Methods: During April- March 2012 patients who were enrolled at Shiraz- Human Assisted
Reproductive Center were included in this study. Semen sample from 100 men were assessed
during this study. Patients were divided into two groups, group A (%15≤HBA≤%55) n = 50
and group B (HBA≥ %55) n = 50. Sperm analysis carried out according to World Health
Organization criteria. Histon efficiency, protamine content, and DNA integrity were assessed by
Aniline blue, Chromomycine A3 staining and sperm chromatin dispersion test.
Results: The results show positive correlation between sperm concentration and motility
with percentage HA-bounded sperms while a negative correlation with percentage abnormal
morphology. Histone deficiency assessed using Aniline blue staining show significant difference
in group A 18.22±1.06 compared with group B 32.43± 2.90. Furthermore, the percentage HAbounded
sperm showed a significant negative correlation with protamine deficiency assessed
by CMA3 staining spermatozoa (15.06± 0.88 in group A versus. 75.17± 2.37 in group B). The
results also show a positive correlation between intact DNA with HA bound ability.
Conclusion: The results indicating that HBA had a high degree of selectivity for sperm with
histone efficiency, protamine quality, and high DNA integrity. These findings are important from
the points of view of human sperm DNA integrity, sperm function, and the potential efficacy of
HA-mediated sperm selection for human assisted reproduction techniques.
Type of Study:
Original |
Received: 2013/07/15 | Accepted: 2013/10/10 | Published: 2014/02/1