Feasibility of Repurposing the Polyanionic Microbicide, PPCM, for Prophylaxis against HIV Transmission during ART
Figure 5
PPCM is without effect on sperm DNA fragmentation and decondensation of sperm DNA in response to stimulus. The sperm DNA fragmentation assay (SDFA) and sperm DNA decondensation (SDD) test were carried out as described in Section 2. (a): Data for the SDFA were expressed as percentage Defragmentation Index (DFI), defined as the ratio of red fluorescence to total fluorescence (red plus green) after staining with acridine orange. Processed samples to which PPCM were not added are designated as Negative Controls. Data for a semen sample with a known high level of sperm DNA fragmentation are included as a reference, designated as Positive Control. Values are given as means; error bars represent 90% confidence limits. One-way ANOVA (excluding the Positive Control) showed no effect of treatment (; ). (b): For the SDD test, fully decondensed spermatozoa are presented as a percentage of total spermatozoa. Error bars are 90% confidence limits (). Samples to which PPCM were not added are designated as Negative Controls. Data for a semen sample with a known compromised DNA decondensation are included as a reference; designated as Positive Control One-way ANOVA (excluding the Positive Control) shows no effect of PPCM treatment on sperm DNA decondensation (; ).
