Meiotic abnormalities and spermatogenic parameters in severe oligoasthenozoospermia

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Human Genetics
• Andrology

Background:

• Idiopathic severe oligoasthenozoospermia affects male fertility.
• Understanding meiotic abnormalities is crucial for diagnosing infertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence of meiotic abnormalities in male patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia.
• To investigate the relationship between meiotic patterns and spermatogenic parameters, including sperm concentration and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.

Main Methods:

• Testicular biopsies from 103 male patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia were analyzed for meiotic patterns.
• Meiosis was evaluated by two independent observers, categorizing patterns as normal, severe arrest, or synaptic anomalies.
• Sperm concentration and serum FSH levels were correlated with meiotic findings.

Main Results:

• Overall, 37.9% of patients exhibited meiotic abnormalities.
• Severe arrest occurred in 20.4% and synaptic anomalies in 17.5% of patients.
• Meiotic abnormalities were significantly associated with lower sperm concentration (P < 0.001) and higher FSH levels (P < 0.05).
• Low sperm concentration (≤ 1 x 10(6)/ml) and/or elevated FSH (> 10 IU/l) were identified as key predictors of meiotic abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Meiotic abnormalities are prevalent in severe oligoasthenozoospermia.
• Sperm concentration and FSH levels are significant indicators of meiotic dysfunction in infertile men.
• These findings aid in understanding the genetic and hormonal factors contributing to male infertility.