P-178 The interaction between spermatozoa and cumulus cells: a more physiological approach to the selection of good quality spermatozoa for assisted reproduction

Abstract Study question Does selection by cumulus cells (CCs) improve sperm quality in terms of acrosome integrity and mitochondrial functionality compared to standard techniques? Summary answer The sperm-CCs interaction method appears be effective selecting with an intact functioning mitochondria What is known already In nature, the best very demanding involves high morphological qualities dynamic features. Semen preparation ART has long been carried out using either swim-up or density gradient method; although both methods provide motile sperm, they cannot really replicate physiological processes. As a result, several have proposed mimic natural that occurs female reproductive tract, allowing most competent paternal contribution zygote. However, literature on these techniques limited does not consistent conclusions design, size, duration Proof-of-principle study conducted at New Fertility Group (NFG) Rome Department Molecular Developmental Medicine University Siena (Italy) from July 2022 December 2022, including 9 semen samples. Comparison CCs model assessing integrity. addition, activity was assessed oxygraphic analysis spermatozoa exposed immortalised human granulosa (hGL5) sorted Participants/materials, setting, CCs-model prepared running two channels medium, one (study group) medium alone (control). Spermatozoa were added each channel incubated 37 °C for 1 hour. Moreover, also hGL5 1.5h. collected controls acrosomal integrity, FITC-labelled PSA, membrane potential, Mitotracker. Finally, oxygen uptake measured Main results role chance Assessment showed higher percentage responding acrosomes (61% ± 0.3; 39% 0.4; 19% 0.4 p < 0.05). 83% 0.3 active 65% control group (p 0.005). A similar pattern observed group. Quantitative potential (MMP) confirmed groups had MMP Evaluation treated 78% 0.49 59% 0.65 = 0.1). same profile detected fluorescence quantification 0.01). Oxygraphic analysis, as index oxidative phosphorylation consequently ATP production, performed spermatozoa, selected controls. O2 consumption, about 4 times than unselected 0.05) Limitations, reasons caution sample size heterogeneity samples main limitations this study. Although CC models appear more physiological, further studies other parameters such DNA are needed. Wider implications findings Both good sperm. avoid centrifugation, research needed understand their efficacy reliability whether valid alternative conventional IVF outcomes. Trial registration number none