P-83: Which Novel Sperm Selection Method Is Functional? MACS-DGC or DGC-Zeta

Background: Selection of human spermatozoa prior to assisted reproduction is currently based on motility and morphology. Recently, Zeta method has been introduced for normal sperm selection based on sperm surface charges. In addition, one of the features of apoptosis is the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), which are normally present on the inner leaflet of the sperm plasma membrane. MACS method could separate apoptotic sperm from non-apoptotic. Therefore, we aim to compare chromatin structure and morphology in two sperm selection procedure; MACS-DGC and DGC-Zeta. Materials and Methods: DNA damage, protamine deficiency and morphology were assessed in 20 infertile individuals by TUNEL, CMA3 and Papanicolaou staining respectively. Results: Both of MACS-DGC and DGC-Zeta procedures can separate normal sperm morphology, and intact chromatin compared to native semen. However, MACS-DGC was significantly better than DGC-Zeta in chromatin integrity Conclusion: Sperm selection based on apoptotic marker could use as a novel sperm selection method for infertile men undergoing ICSI in future.