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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
16:19
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) Protocol in Human Sperm
Published on: September 1, 2009
Is there a relationship between sperm chromosome abnormalities and sperm morphology?
Fei Sun1, Evelyn Ko, Renée H Martin
1Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada. fesun@ucalgary.ca
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E
|January 27, 2006
Summary
This review examines sperm chromosome abnormalities and morphology. While generally not linked in fertile men, certain abnormal sperm shapes in infertile men may indicate increased aneuploidy risk.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Human genetics
- Cytogenetics
Background:
- Sperm chromosomal constitution and morphology are key factors in male fertility.
- Advancements in sperm analysis techniques allow for detailed examination of these factors.
- Understanding their relationship is crucial for diagnosing and treating infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the relationship between sperm chromosome abnormalities and sperm morphology.
- To investigate whether specific morphological defects correlate with aneuploidy in spermatozoa.
- To assess this relationship in both fertile and infertile men.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies utilizing human sperm karyotype analysis.
- Analysis of data from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies on sperm chromosomes.
- Examination of findings in fertile men, translocation carriers, post-radiotherapy cancer patients, and infertile men.
Main Results:
- No consistent relationship found between sperm chromosome abnormalities and morphology in fertile men, translocation carriers, or post-radiotherapy cancer patients.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) generally did not reveal a specific association between general sperm morphology defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
- Teratozoospermia, like other semen profile abnormalities, is associated with a modest increase in sperm chromosome abnormalities.
- Specific morphological defects, such as macrocephalic multitailed spermatozoa in some infertile men, are linked to significantly increased aneuploidy frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Sperm morphology is not a reliable indicator of chromosomal abnormalities in general, particularly in fertile populations.
- However, specific severe sperm morphological defects in infertile men may be associated with a higher risk of aneuploidy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between sperm morphology and chromosomal integrity in male infertility.
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