Chapter 22 – DNA Damage: Halo Sperm Test
Abstract Fertility, pregnancy and childbirth are connected and inseparable realities that ultimately need to combine to result in a “baby at home”; each one of these phenomena possesses their own…
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 25 – Future Developments: Sperm Proteomics
Abstract Spermatozoa are mature male gametes that are produced in the testes of a healthy man by spermatogenesis, with further maturation of sperm taking place during their transit through the…
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…
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 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 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 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 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 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…
