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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
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[Dysplasia of the fibrous sheath in human sperm: an update]

Shen-min Yang1, Zheng Li, Hong Li

  • 1Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China. drim2004@126.com

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue = National Journal of Andrology
|January 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Dysplasia of the fibrous sheath (DFS) causes severe sperm tail abnormalities, impacting motility. Despite ultrastructural defects, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) remains effective, but genetic risks to offspring require consideration.

Area of Science:

  • Human Reproduction
  • Sperm Motility Disorders
  • Genetic Diseases

Background:

  • Ultrastructural abnormalities in human sperm flagella can lead to sperm movement disorders.
  • Dysplasia of the fibrous sheath (DFS) is an autosomal recessive genetic condition characterized by abnormal sperm tail morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the ultrastructural characteristics of sperm flagella in patients with Dysplasia of the fibrous sheath (DFS).
  • To evaluate the impact of DFS on sperm parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.
  • To highlight potential genetic risks associated with DFS.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
  • Detailed analysis of flagellar ultrastructure, including fibrous sheath and axoneme.
  • Assessment of fertilization and pregnancy rates following ICSI.

Main Results:

  • Affected sperm exhibit short, thick, irregular tails (95-100% of patients).
  • TEM reveals disorganized fibrous sheath, distorted axonemes, and absent dynein arms.
  • DFS does not significantly affect fertilization or clinical pregnancy rates in ICSI cycles.

Conclusions:

  • DFS presents with characteristic ultrastructural flagellar defects.
  • While ICSI is viable, careful genetic counseling is necessary due to potential risks for offspring.
  • The precise genetic etiology of DFS warrants further investigation.

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