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Sperm disomy in idiopathic severely oligoasthenoteratozoospermic males

M N Moemen1, T Mostafa, A M Gadalla

  • 1Department of Andrology & Sexology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

Andrologia
|November 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Sperm disomy, including XX and XY types, is significantly higher in men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). This increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in sperm should be considered during assisted reproductive technologies.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Human genetics
  • Andrology

Background:

  • Idiopathic severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a significant cause of male infertility.
  • Sperm disomy, an abnormal number of chromosomes in sperm, is a potential contributor to infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.
  • Understanding the incidence and correlation of sperm disomy in OAT is crucial for reproductive medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency of sperm disomy for chromosomes X and Y in infertile men with idiopathic severe OAT.
  • To compare disomy levels between OAT patients and healthy fertile controls.
  • To examine the correlation between sperm disomy and semen parameters, age, and other disomy types.

Main Methods:

  • Semen analysis, hormonal assays (FSH, LH, testosterone), and scrotal ultrasound were performed on 30 OAT patients and 20 controls.
  • Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to quantify the incidence of XX, YY, and XY disomy in sperm samples.
  • Statistical analysis was employed to assess correlations and significant differences.

Main Results:

  • A significantly higher frequency of XX and XY disomy was observed in spermatozoa from severe OAT patients compared to controls.
  • No significant difference in YY disomy was found between OAT cases and controls.
  • Sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology showed significant negative correlations with XX and XY disomy.
  • XX disomy positively correlated with XY disomy.

Conclusions:

  • Sperm disomy, particularly XX and XY types, is elevated in men with idiopathic severe OAT.
  • Increased sperm disomy in OAT patients may impact fertility outcomes.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering sperm disomy in the management of male infertility, especially when utilizing micromanipulation techniques.

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