Chapter 24 – Clinical Value of Sperm Function Tests
Abstract Infertility is a major public health concern affecting up to 25 percent of couples worldwide [1]. It is defined by the failure of a couple to achieve conception after…
GYNECOLOGY
Chapter 23 – DNA Damage: Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization
Abstract Several sperm DNA integrity and chromatin quality assays have been developed and used for the detection of sperm DNA fragmentation and chromosomal aberrations [1, 2]. The Comet assay is…
Chapter 20 – DNA Damage: Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay
Abstract The year 2020 is the fortieth anniversary of the introduction of the concept of “sperm DNA fragmentation” as related to human and animal male factor fertility. This concept was…
Chapter 21 – DNA Damage: COMET Assay
Abstract Sperm are highly specialized cells, evolved to function as vehicles for the transport of the paternal genome to the oocyte. The sperm cell is characterized by a distinct head,…
Chapter 18 – Sperm Chromatin Structure: Toluidine Blue Staining
Abstract Gametogenesis is a central biological process for sexual reproduction. In this process, both haploid male and female gametes are needed for successful fertilization. Male gamete or sperm are produced…
Chapter 17 – Chromatin Condensation: Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) Stain
Abstract In order to transport an intact and complete paternal genome to the oocyte, spermatozoa are characterized by an extremely compacted nuclear DNA as compared to the nucleus of somatic…
Chapter 15 – Oxidative Stress Testing: Indirect Tests
Abstract Oxidative stress (OS) is the consequence of an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the failure of antioxidants to neutralize excessive ROS production. Although many sperm functions require…
Chapter 14 – Oxidative Stress Testing: Direct Tests
Abstract Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a condition where the levels of oxidants overwhelm those of the antioxidants (reductants) present in the semen [1]. The most important oxidants are reactive…
Chapter 16 – Chromatin Condensation: Aniline Blue Stain
Abstract Spermatozoa, one of the two most pivotal cells of biological existence, are responsible for mediating the transfer of genetic information to subsequent generations. Mammalian fertilization and subsequent embryonic development…
Chapter 13 – Oolemma Binding: Sperm Penetration Assay
Abstract Infertility is a difficult and stressful condition that impacts about 15 percent of couples attempting to conceive for the first time [1]. In about half of these cases a…
