ABSTRACT
Our laboratory studied the development of the objective biochemical markers that would reflect the sperm maturation. Increased levels of persistent histones in turn indicate a break in the developmental sequence of histones, transition proteins, protamines, which significantly affects DNA chain folding and vulnerability for increased DNA fragmentation. The events of spermiogenesis result in a structurally unique cell. Once deposited inside the female reproductive tract, spermatozoa seek to reach the oocyte first and acquire hyperactivated progressive motility, defined as moving actively, either linearly or in a large circle, regardless of linear speed. The quality of the epididymal maturation strongly influences sperm fertilizing capacity. Studies demonstrated that hyaluronic acid (HA) in the medium increased the velocity and retention of motility and viability in freshly ejaculated as well as in cryopreserved, thawed human spermatozoa. The potential relationship between sperm shape and genetic integrity has become very pertinent with the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
