The potential of introducing electron microscopic examination of human spermatozoa into the practice of the department of assisted reproductive technologies

Authors

  • D.V. Zadubenko КазНУ им.аль-Фараби
  • V.N. Lokshin
  • G.S. Zykova
  • E.E. Bragina
  • Z.G. Aytasheva
  • R.V. Zadubenko
  • V.A. Golichenkov

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.4.2023.7-12

Keywords:

electron microscopy, sperm morphology, assisted reproductive technology, asthenoteratozoospermia (ATZS), teratozoospermia (TZS), asthenozoospermia (AZS)

Abstract

Relevance: Infertility caused by asthenozoospermia (AZS) and teratozoospermia (TZS) is a serious medical and social problem. According to our research, isolated and combined forms of AZS and TZS account for over 60% of male factor infertility [1]. These disorders may have a genetic basis; however, within the Eurasian Economic Union, there are no commercially available panels for identifying genetically determined abnormalities in the morphology and motility of spermatozoa. Transmission electron microscopy of spermatozoa (TEM-S) emerges as a promising method, enabling the visualization and analysis of structural anomalies in spermatozoa at a level inaccessible by other methods.

The study aimed to demonstrate the TEM-S potential in diagnosing asthenoteratozoospermia.
Materials and Methods: The study involved transmission electron microscopy of spermatozoa. Native sperm was diluted and fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde. Ultrathin sections were obtained using an UltraCut III microtome. Analysis was conducted on a JEM-1011 electron microscope with magnifications of х4000 and х25000.
Results: The study produced images illustrating various structural anomalies associated with asthenoteratozoospermia (ATZS). Spermatozoa were analyzed at different magnifications to identify overall appearance, anomalies in the axoneme, chromatin of the nucleus, and mitochondria.
Conclusion: TEM-S is a powerful tool for a detailed sperm morphology analysis in patients with AZS and TZS. The obtained data lay the foundation for more accurate diagnostics and a personalized approach to treatment, contributing to increased effectiveness in overcoming infertility.

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Published

2023-12-30

How to Cite

[1]
Zadubenko Д., Lokshin В., Zykova Г., Bragina Е., Aytasheva З., Zadubenko Р. and Golichenkov В. 2023. The potential of introducing electron microscopic examination of human spermatozoa into the practice of the department of assisted reproductive technologies. Reproductive Medicine. 4 (Dec. 2023), 7–12. DOI:https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.4.2023.7-12.

Issue

No. 4 (2023): Reproductive medicine

Section

Статьи

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