Higher proportion of haploid round spermatids and spermatogenic disomy rate in relation to idiopathic male infertility

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the possible association between the spermatogenic chromosomal aberrations and idiopathic male infertility with normal semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm number per ejaculum, and sperm motility. Male infertility can be considered as a syndrome that results from many congenital or acquired illness. Currently, there is an increasing awareness of the potential role of chromosomal factors in the idiopathic forms of male infertility.

Methods: A total of 202 idiopathic infertile men and 41 normal fertile donors were recruited into this study, through eligibility screening procedures. Proportions and chromatin status of sperm were assessed by flow cytometry after staining the DNA with propidium iodide. Sperm chromosome aneuploidy rates for chromosome 13, 18, 21, X, and Y were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization using five-color probes.

Results: Infertile males showed a significantly lower percentage of mature haploid sperm cells and higher percentage of haploid round spermatids than the controls. A significantly higher frequency of disomy on spermatozoa was also detected in infertile males compared with the controls.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher frequencies of haploid round spermatids and spermatogenic disomy rate may contribute to elevated risk of idiopathic male infertility.