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[Aging and spermatogenesis: an histologic, cytogenetic and apoptosis study]
M Dakouane1, M Albert, M Bergère
1Service d'histologie embryologie cytogénétique, génétique médicale et biologie de reproduction, CHI de Poissy-Saint-Germain-en-Laye, faculté Paris-Ile-de-France-Ouest, université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Poissy, France.
Gynecologie, Obstetrique & Fertilite
|August 30, 2005
Summary
Male fertility can extend to 95 years, with age not impacting chromosome risk in completed spermatogenesis. However, arrested sperm development may increase aneuploidy risk in older men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Gerontology
- Human genetics
Context:
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) are increasingly used by older men.
- Ageing impacts male reproductive health and potential genetic risks.
- Understanding age-related changes in male fertility is crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of ageing on testicular histology.
- To evaluate aneuploidy rates in postmeiotic cells of older men.
- To assess DNA fragmentation in sperm of aging males.
Summary:
- Histomorphometry revealed age-related testicular alterations, including basal membrane thickening and decreased germ/Sertoli cell counts, though spermatogenesis can persist until 95.
- Aneuploidy rates were not age-dependent when spermatogenesis was complete but increased in postmeiotic cells with spermiogenesis arrest.
- Apoptosis levels did not significantly increase with age.
Impact:
- Spermatogenesis is viable in advanced age without inherent chromosome risks.
- Further research is needed on the potential for mutagenesis in aging male reproduction.
- This study provides insights into male reproductive ageing and genetic risk assessment.