Clinical Research Directory

Clinical Thresholds of Double-strand Breaks in Sperm's DNA in ART

The goal of this prospective observational study is to learn about the impact of double-strand sperm DNA fragmentation (dsSDF) on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes and to derive clinically relevant threshold values for dsSDF and global sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can clinically relevant threshold values of dsSDF and global SDF predict live birth rates following ICSI? * Does elevated dsSDF reduce live birth rates following ICSI? Participants undergoing ICSI as part of their routine fertility treatment will provide semen samples for global SDF and dsSDF assessment using the R10 Plus and R11 Plus kits, respectively, analysed using the LensHooke® X12 platform before and after sperm preparation. SDF and dsSDF assessments will be performed both prior to and following sperm washing for each participant. Embryos will be assessed from fertilization through embryo development, and following embryo transfer, participants will be prospectively followed for clinical outcomes ranging from biochemical pregnancy to live birth.

The EPIC Study: Exploring Paternal Age and the Influence on Blastocyst Culture

This study aims to assess the effect of age of the male partner and the reproductive ability of sperm prepared via sperm selection devices (Zymot) compared to routine embryologist selected sperm after density gradient centrifugation (DGC) preparation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment (IVF) of their infertility.

Royal Jelly Supplementation in Unexplained Male Infertility

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigates the effects of oral Royal Jelly supplementation on sperm DNA fragmentation and pregnancy rates in couples with unexplained infertility. While routine semen analysis appears normal (normozoospermia) in these patients, underlying Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and oxidative stress are believed to contribute to reproductive failure. Participants will be randomized to receive either 750 mg of lyophilized Royal Jelly or a placebo daily for a period of 3 months (90 days). The study aims to evaluate whether the antioxidant properties of Royal Jelly can improve sperm chromatin integrity, reduce oxidative stress markers, and increase spontaneous pregnancy rates compared to the control group

Comparison of Two Different Sperm Processing Methods and Their Effects on Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Embryo Development

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the LensHooke CA0 device lowers DNA fragmentation in sperm samples compared to a gradient/swim-up technique. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the LensHooke® CA0 device reduce DNA fragmentation compared to the gradient/swim-up technique? 2. Does the LensHooke® CA0 device improve concentration, motility, and morphology compared to the gradient/swim-up technique? 3. Is sibling embryo fertilization and development the same? 4. Are pregnancy rates different between the 2 groups? 1 semen sample will be split between the 2 treatment techniques. Half of the partner's egg cohort will be injected via intra-cytoplasmic sperm using sperm processed by one technique and the other half of the cohort will be injected by the sperm processed by the other technique. Both methods will look at DNA fragmentation, concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm. Both methods will be compared in the resulting embryos looking at fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy rates.