Introduction: At present, sperm selection for ICSI only depends on morphology and motility, but these parameters may not relevant chromatin integrity. So sperm selection based on sperm functional characterized has been suggested.
Thus, aim of this study was the comparison between two sperm selection method, HA binding assay and Zeta method, to select spermatozoa with morphology, protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation.
Methods: Semen samples from 70 infertile couples referring to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility center were assessed during this study. Semen divided in 3 groups. One group as control, second group Zeta method and third group HA binding applied to select spermatozoa. Protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation were assessed by Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, and SCD test, respectively.
Result: Both HA binding and Zeta method are efficient to select sperm with lower protamine deficiency and abnormal morphology. But in term of DNA fragmentation Zeta method appear to be more efficient to select sperm with low DNA fragmentation.
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that both of Zeta method and HA-binding assay can select spermatozoa with lower protamine deficiency and higher normal morphology, which can use of selected sperm in ICSI. But Zeta method may efficient to select sperm with low DNA fragmentation. In patient with high DNA fragmentation, Zeta method can be useful to select spermatozoa for ICSI.