Globozoospermia syndrome: two case reports

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Human genetics
• Infertility research

Background:

• Globozoospermia is a rare, severe form of male infertility.
• Characterized by 100% round-headed spermatozoa lacking an acrosome.
• Pathogenesis likely involves defects in spermiogenesis, particularly acrosome formation and head elongation.

Observation:

• Two cases of male infertility due to globozoospermia are presented.
• Genetic mutations are implicated in the globozoospermic phenotype.
• Standard fertilization methods are often unsuccessful.

Findings:

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a key treatment.
• Assisted oocyte activation significantly improves fertilization rates.
• Successful fertilization was achieved in the presented cases using this combined approach.

Implications:

• This study highlights the effectiveness of ICSI with assisted oocyte activation for globozoospermia.
• Offers hope for reproductive success in previously infertile men.
• Contributes to understanding the genetic basis and treatment of globozoospermia.