Sperm Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidants Activities as Predictors of Pregnancy Outcomes after Density Gradient Centrifugation in Medical Assistance Procreation

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) effectiveness in spermatozoa selection by analyzing the oxidative stress profile and in pregnancy prediction outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Study Design: This was a prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biology, laboratory of Physiopathology Molecular Genetic and Biotechnology. Ain Chock Faculty of Sciences, Hassan II University, Casablanca. And Anfa Fertility Center Private Clinic of in vitro fertilization and Endoscopic Surgery, Casablanca.

Methodology: We included 101 men patients subdivided into three groups. Group A with normal sperm parameters and a positive pregnancy; Group B with normal sperm parameters and a negative pregnancy; Group C with abnormal sperm parameters and a negative pregnancy. After DGC, lipid peroxidation (MDA) level, as well as the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT), were evaluated.

Results: Patients with normal and abnormal sperm parameters showed that MDA level, and antioxidant enzymes activities increased significantly from the pellet, to 80 %, and from 80% to 40% fractions. In addition, lipid peroxidation and enzymes activities levels were significantly lower in patients with positive pregnancy than in patients with negative pregnancy and especially those with abnormal spermatic parameters.

Conclusion: The DGC would select sperm not only motile and viable but with less oxidative stress. Moreover, the rate of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities could differentiate between patients with normal and abnormal spermatic parameters and between patients with positive and negative pregnancy outcome.