Cytogenetic abnormalities in 179 cases with male infertility in Western Region of Turkey: report and review

Evaluation of Y chromosome microdeletions and chromosomal anomalies in infertile men

OBJECTIVES

Chromosome anomalies and Y chromosome microdeletions are one of the reasons that can be seen in infertile patients and affect fertility. In this study, it was aimed to determine the frequencies of chromosomal anomalies and Y chromosome microdeletions in primary infertile male patients.

METHODS

We included 374 patients with primary infertility in this study. Cytogenetic analysis was performed with the GTG banding technique by using trypsin and Giemsa stain. Y microdeletion analysis was studied by multiplex polymerase chain reaction using 28 Y chromosome-specific sequence-tagged sites.

RESULTS

Chromosomal irregularities were detected in 27 (7.22%) of infertile cases. It was observed that 7 (25.92%) of chromosomal irregularities detected in cases were in autosomal and 20 (%74.08) were in gonosomal chromosomes. The incidence of Y chromosome microdeletion was 1.07% (4/374) and the microdeletions were observed in AZFb, AZFc and AZFd regions. AZFc + AZFd deletion was detected in three patients (0.81%) and AZFb + AZFc + AZFd deletion in one patient (0.26%).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, gonosomal chromosome irregularity was higher than autosomal chromosome irregularity in infertile men. The frequency of Y microdeletion has different rates according to some factors such as ethnic differences of patients, patient selection criteria, differences in the number of cases, and methodological aspects.

CHROMOSOMAL DISEASES IN THE HUMAN PATHOLOGY

Background. Chromosomal diseases are the cause of 45-50 % of multiple birth defects. Basic research on mutations is performed using genomic technologies to identify a correlation between genotype and phenotype in aneuploidies and to understand its pathogenesis. Objective. The aim of the research is to study the etiology, pathogenesis of symptoms and diagnostics for patients with Down, Klinefelter, Turner syndromes and double aneuploidies by 21 and sex chromosomes. Methods. A literature review by the keywords “Down syndrome”, “Klinefelter syndrome”, “Turner syndrome”, “double aneuploidy” for the period of 2000-2020 was carried out. Results. Down, Klinefelter and Turner syndromes are the most common aneuploidy among viable newborns. Frequency of meiotic non-disjunction events causing these aneuploidies increases with the age of a woman. Identified genes are responsible for pathogenesis of symptoms in trisomy 21, Turner and Klinefelter syndromes. Diagnostics of chromosomal diseases includes prenatal screening programs and postnatal testing. Conclusions. Cytogenetic variants of Down syndrome are simple complete trisomy 21, translocation form and mosaicism. Trisomy 21 is associated with advanced maternal age. Phenotypic manifestations of Down syndrome are associated with the locus 21q22. The maternal and parental nondisjunction of X-chromosomes in meiosis causes Klinefelter and Turner syndromes. These chromosomal diseases are variants of intersexualism with intermediate chromosomal sex. Down-Klinefelter and Down-Turner syndromes are double aneuploidies. Patients have a Down syndrome phenotype at birth, and signs of Klinefelter and Turner syndromes occur during puberty. Diagnosis of aneuploidy is based on the cytogenetic investigation (karyotyping), DNA analysis, ultrasonography and biochemical markers of chromosomal pathology.

Cytogenetic Abnormalities Found in Patients with Reproductive Problems

Introduction

One of the important causes of male infertility is aberration at the chromosomes.

Aim

The main purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and types of chromosomal aberration in infertile/sterile men whose samples were analyzed in the Center for Cytogenetics of Faculty of Medicine University of Sarajevo in the last four years.

Methods

A total of 353 infertile/sterile men, between the ages of 22-55 years, referred for cytogenetic analysis to the Center for Genetics of Faculty of Medicine during the period 2013-2016. Karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes by using the Giemsa trypsin banding (GTG) technique.

Results

The structural and numerical chromosomal aberration in infertility/ sterility of men found with the incidence of 6% (20/353). Out of the 20 patients with abnormal cytogenetic diagnosis, structural chromosome abnormalities were observed in 17 (85%) patients and 3 (15%) with numerical aberrations. The type of aberrations mostly found were Robertsonian and reciprocal translocations (35%, 35%, respectively).

Conclusions

The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile/sterile males suggests that the cytogenetics analysis is an important in male infertility, especially if it will be used for the purpose of assisted reproduction techniques.

A Rare Double Aneuploidy Case (Down-Klinefelter)

Down's syndrome has its own dysmorphic findings and is accompanied by mental retardation and hypotonia. Klinefelter's syndrome is a syndrome caused by a numerical abnormality that affects male physical and cognitive development. This case reports a unique finding of 48,XXY, + 21 and a current literature review. A 4-month-old male patient presented with typical clinical features of Down's syndrome with hypothyroidism, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus without any phenotypic signs of Klinefelter's syndrome.

Karyotype analysis in large sample cases from Shenyang Women's and Children's hospital: a study of 16,294 male infertility patients

To explore that it is necessary to routinely detect chromosomes in infertile patients, we investigated peripheral blood lymphocyte karyotype in 16,294 male infertile patients in the north-east of China and analysed the incidence and type of chromosomal anomaly and polymorphism. G-banding karyotype analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed in 16,294 cases. Semen analysis was performed three times in all the men. PCR and FISH confirmed the presence of the SRY gene. The rate of chromosomal anomaly in the 16,294 male infertile patients was 4.15% (677/16,294). The rates of chromosomal anomaly were 0.24% in normal semen group, 12.6% in light oligoasthenospermia group, 4.7% in moderate-to-severe oligoasthenospermia group and 9.59% in azoospermia group. There are two male infertile patients with 45,X chromosome karyotype. One X male patient had confirmed the presence of the SRY gene and FISH analysis demonstrated its location on the p arm of chromosome 13. The other X male patient had not found SRY gene in its whole-genome DNA. Meanwhile, sperm motility is slightly oligo-asthenozoospermic at the age of 35-39 and nearly azoospermic at the age of 40-45. As the rates of chromosomal anomaly are 0.24% and 12.6% even in normal semen group and light oligoasthenospermia group, the rates of chromosomal polymorphism are 5.36% and 25.51% in normal semen group and light oligoasthenospermia group, respectively; it is necessary to explore peripheral blood lymphocyte karyotype in all infertile couples. We mentioned that Y, 1, 2, 9 and 12 chromosomes were quite important about male infertility. These findings demonstrate that autosomal retention of SRY can be submicroscopic and emphasise the importance of PCR and FISH in the genetic workup of the monosomic X male. At the same time, it suggested that male infertility might be related to meiotic disturbances with spermatogenetic arrest in Y-autosome translocations, which could result in infertility by reduction of sperm production. Last but not least, ageing is one of the factors that could reduce sperm motility and quality.

Enigmatic Inv(9): A Case Report on Rare Findings in Hematological Malignancies

Introduction

Inversion of chromosome 9 had been widely discussed among geneticists and evolutionary biologists because of its significant impact on various hereditary disorders and in the evolution of man. The role of such inversions in human disease evolution is an area hitherto unclear.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patient who showed intermittent relapse on treatment, with a rare appearance of clones with dual inversion (9) breakpoints [inv(9)(p22q34); inv(9)(p11q21)]. We also present the first report of inv(9)(p11,q13) as the sole abnormality in a patient with chronic myeloproliferative disorder(CMPD). Both the patients registered in 2012 and were from Kerala, India.

Conclusions

Both the cases discussed in our study have inv(9) as the sole abnormality and are found to confer a relatively poor prognosis.

Prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile couples in romania

The purpose of this study was to establish a correlation between the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one of the partners and infertility. This retrospective study was performed at the Department of Reproductive Medicine, Life Memorial Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, between August 2007 to December 2011. Two thousand, one hundred and ninety-five patients with reproductive problems were investigated, and the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities was calculated. The control group consisting of 87 fertile persons who had two or more children, was investigated in this retrospective study. All the patients of this study were investigated by cytogenetic techniques and the results of the two groups were compared by a two-tailed Fisher's exact test. In this study, 94.99% patients had a normal karyotype and 5.01% had chromosomal abnormalities (numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities). In the study group, numerical chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 1.14% of infertile men and 0.62% of infertile women, and structural chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 1.38% of infertile men and 1.87% of infertile women, respectively. The correlation between the incidence of chromosomal anomalies in the two sexes in couple with reproductive problems was not statistically significant. Recently, a possible association between infertility and chromosomal abnormalities with a significant statistical association has been reported. Our study shows that there is no association between chromosomal abnormalities and infertility, but this study needs to be confirmed with further investigations and a larger control group to establish the role of chromosomal abnormalities in the etiology of infertility.

Chromosomal aberrations and polymorphic evaluation in males with primary infertility from Indian population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The chromosomal abnormalities are one of the important causes of male infertility. In view of the genetic risks for the next generation, the importance of careful evaluation of karyotype is essential. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile men with primary infertility from Indian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 78 infertile men with primary infertility, out of which 26 men were azoospermic, 19 men were oligospermic, 4 men were asthenospermic and 29 men were oligoasthenospermic were studied. Karyoptying was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes by using the Giemsa trypsin banding (GTG) banding technique. Additional data was collected from published studies in Indian population leading to a total of 1814 cases.

RESULTS

Chromosome analysis of 78 infertile males showed major chromosome abnormalities in 10.2%, with 6.4% in autosomal chromosome abnormalities and 3.8% in sex chromosome abnormalities. The incidence of major chromosome abnormalities in oligospermic males were 21% and azoospermic males were 15.4 %. Chromosomal polymorphic variants were identified to be 16.7%. Combining the data from other published studies identified 153/ 1814 (8.4%) infertile men of chromosomal abnormalities; with 10.8% in azoospermia, 7.3% in oligospermia and 7.3% in oligoasthenoteratospermic from India.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

The overall high prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile males suggests that the conventional chromosomal analysis is an important investigative tool for male infertility, especially prior to use of any assisted reproductive techniques.

Chromosomal Translocation t (10;19) (q11.2;q13.4) in an Infertile Male

Chromosomal rearrangements are usually associated with male factor infertility. We report here a 34-year-old man suffering from primary infertility for 15 years. The cytogenetic analysis and investigation of Y-chromosome microdeletions were performed. A reciprocal balanced translocation t (10;19) (q11.2;q13.4) was found in oligozoospermic infertile men with no Y-chromosome microdeletions. In this case, we aimed to evaluate the 46,XY,t (10;19) (q11.2;q13.4) karyo-type, which was detected through a cytogenetic analysis of a person referred to our genetic laboratory due to primary infertility, in the light of the literature.

High prevalence of genetic abnormalities in Middle Eastern patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia

INTRODUCTION

Our objective is to detect the frequency and types of major genetic abnormalities of idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) to give appropriate genetic counseling before assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in Middle East and to compare the frequencies with other regions of the world.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 880 Middle Eastern patients with NOA were recruited in this multicenter study for genetic evaluation prior to use of ART. Karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes according to standard G-banding methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to screen the microdeletions in the AZF region of the Y chromosome.

RESULTS

The present study shows that the total prevalence of genetic abnormalities is 28.41 %, including 184 patients (20.91 %) with chromosome disorder and 66 patients (7.5 %) with Y chromosome microdeletions. The most prevalent chromosome abnormality is Klinefelter's syndrome, which includes 161 patients (18.3 %), 7 patients had XX reversal male sex (0.8 %), 2 patients had 47XYY (0.23 %) and 2 patients had 45XO/46XY (0.23 %). Structural abnormalities occurred in 12 patients (1.36 %).

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of genetic abnormalities (28.41 %) in our study strongly suggests the need for routine genetic testing and counseling prior to assisted reproduction in such population with idiopathic infertility, as a result may help determine the prognosis, as well as the choice of ART. Moreover it allows specific pre-implantation genetic testing to minimize the risk of transmitting genetic defects to offspring.

Chromosomal abnormalities in patients with oligozoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia

PURPOSE

To assess the frequency and types of chromosomal abnormalities in 204 Ukrainian patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and oligozoospermia and 87 men with normozoospermia.

METHODS

Cytogenetic studies were performed on peripheral blood lymphocyte samples of 164 men with oligozoospermia, 40 men with non-obstructive azoospermia and 87 men with normozoospermia attending infertility clinic.

RESULTS

Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 17% of patients with sperm disorders: in 35% of men with azoospermia and in 12.7% of men with oligozoospermia. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with sperm disorders was significantly higher, than in patients with normozoospermia (P = 0.0001). An increase in the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities with the decrease of sperm count was observed. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 1.1% of patients with normozoospermia, 6.5% of patients with mild oligozoospermia (sperm count 5-15 × 10(6)/ml), 18.4% of patients with severe oligozoospermia (sperm count <5 × 10(6)/ml) and 35% of patients with azoospermia. A significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with severe oligozoospermia was observed when compared to mild oligozoospermia (P = 0.01). A statistically significant association (P = 0.02) of chromosomal abnormalities and sex chromosome abnormalities (P = 0.0001) with azoospermia when compared to oligozoospermia was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the importance of cytogenetic studies in patients with oligozoospermia (both mild and severe) and non-obstructive azoospermia. The presence of chromosomal abnormalities influences significantly the fertility treatment protocols, as well as provides a definite diagnosis to couples suffering from infertility.

45,X mosaicism in northeast China: a clinical report and review of the literature

Purpose

To explore the prevalence and clinical features, especially the reproductive function, of 45,X mosaicism patients in northeast China.

Methods

GTG-banding was performed on a series of 2,250 patients from our genetic counseling clinic. Each of these patients underwent a physical examination and was interviewed about their medical history and reproductive problems. Literature on 45,X mosaicism was accessed using PubMed and reviewed.

Results

The prevalence of 45,X mosaicism in northeast China is 0.36 % (8/2250), and the mosaic karyotype of our study accounted for 61.54 % (8/13) of Turner syndrome cases. This is comparable with studies from Asia, Europe, South America and other regions. The affected patients showed genital abnormalities, abnormal pregnancy or infertility.

Conclusion

45,X mosaicism is commonly seen in the genetic counseling clinic. Extensive cytogenetic assessment may improve the detection rate in patients with congenital dysplasia, or history of abnormal pregnancy or infertility. Karyotyping plays a key role in prognosis and assisted reproduction or early surgical treatment.

A comprehensive review of genetics and genetic testing in azoospermia

Azoospermia due to obstructive and non-obstructive mechanisms is a common manifestation of male infertility accounting for 10-15% of such cases. Known genetic factors are responsible for approximately 1/3 of cases of azoospermia. Nonetheless, at least 40% of cases are currently categorized as idiopathic and may be linked to unknown genetic abnormalities. It is recommended that various genetic screening tests are performed in azoospermic men, given that their results may play vital role in not only identifying the etiology but also in preventing the iatrogenic transmission of genetic defects to offspring via advanced assisted conception techniques. In the present review, we examine the current genetic information associated with azoospermia based on results from search engines, such as PUBMED, OVID, SCIENCE DIRECT and SCOPUS. We also present a critical appraisal of use of genetic testing in this subset of infertile patients.

Cytogenetic abnormalities in 222 infertile men with azoospermia and oligospermia in Iran: Report and review

BACKGROUND:

Infertility affects approximately 10%-15% of couples in reproductive age. In half of the couples, causes are male-related, associated with impaired spermatogenesis. There is a complex correlation between genetics and infertility. Several factors affect on gametogenesis, from which factors that lead to chromosomal abnormalities are one of the best known. The aim of this study was to determine type and rate of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile azoospermic and oligospermic males in Iranian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The records of a total of 222 participants were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS:

As a whole we observed 13.96% chromosomal abnormality, from which 12.15% showed numerical and 1.8% showed structural abnormalities.

CONCLUSION:

Comparison of our results with the review of the literature shows a higher incidence (4- fold) of gonosomal, in particular, numerical gonosomal, chromosomal anomalies. Cytogenetic analysis is strongly suggested for infertile men, particularly in those who suffer from azoospermia.

Chromosomal defects in infertile men with poor semen quality

PURPOSE

To assess the incidence and the type of chromosomal aberrations in males with infertility we reviewed cytogenetic results in 76 Tunisian infertile men (54 nonobstructive azoospermia and 22 oligo-asthenospermia).

METHODS

Karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes according to the standard methods. Molecular diagnosis of classical and partial Y-chromosomal microdeletions was performed by amplifying Y-specific STSs markers.

RESULTS

Various numerical and structural chromosome abnormalities were identified in 15 patients (19.48%). The occurrence of chromosomal abnormality in the azoospermics and severe oligo-asthnospermic was 21.7% and 13.5%, respectively. The most common was Klinefelter syndrome, accounting for 10 of the 15 cytogenetic defects. The total frequency of Y chromosomal microdeletions was 17.1%, with respective frequencies in azoospermic and severe oligospermic groups, 11.1% and 31.8%. The most frequent of Y chromosomal deletions were the partial ones (11.1% in azoospermic and 27.2% in oligospermic).

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities among infertile males strongly suggests the need for routine genetic testing and counseling prior to the employment of assisted reproduction techniques.

Sex chromosome aneuploidy in cytogenetic findings of referral patients from south of Iran

BACKGROUND

Chromosome abnormality (CA) including Sex chromosomes abnormality (SCAs) is one of the most important causes of disordered sexual development and infertility. SCAs formed by numerical or structural alteration in X and Y chromosomes, are the most frequently CA encountered at both prenatal diagnosis and at birth.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes cytogenetic findings of cases suspected with CA referred for cytogenetic study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples of 4151 patients referred for cytogenetic analysis were cultured for chromosome preparation. Karyotypes were prepared for all samples and G-Banded chromosomes were analyzed using x100 objective lens. Sex chromosome aneuploidy cases were analyzed and categorized in two groups of Turners and Klinefelter's syndrome (KFS).

RESULTS

Out of 230 (5.54%) cases with chromosomally abnormal karyotype, 122 (30%) cases suspected of sexual disorder showed SCA including 46% Turner's syndrome, 46% KFS and the remaining other sex chromosome abnormalities. The frequency of classic and mosaic form of Turner's syndrome was 33% and 67%, this was 55% and 45% for KFS, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a relatively high sex chromosome abnormality in this region and provides cytogenetic data to assist clinicians and genetic counselors to determine the priority of requesting cytogenetic study. Differences between results from various reports can be due to different genetic background or ethnicity.

Prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities and timing of karyotype analysis in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) following assisted reproduction

AIMS

To analyze the prevalence and type of karyotype abnormalities in RIF patients and to evaluate the adequate timing for analysis and the presence of possible risk factors.

METHODS

615 patients (317 women and 298 men) with RIF, having undergone at least 3 sequential failed IVF/ICSI cycles prior to karyotype analysis, were included in this study. Anomaly rates found were compared with published series.

RESULTS

Chromosomal abnormalities were diagnosed in 2.1% of patients (13/615): 8 females (2.5%) and 5 males (1.7%) which is significantly higher for the females than in unselected newborns (0.8%) and normo-ovulatory women (0.6%) but lower than in women with high-order implantation failure (10.8%). No significant differences were found with couples at the start of IVF/ICSI (2.0%). Karyotyping all patients prior to IVF/ICSI results in a higher cost than selecting RIF patients. Two subgroups showed an increased prevalence of abnormalities: secondary infertile women with a history of only miscarriages (9.1%) and women with female infertility (6.0%).

CONCLUSION

A karyotype analysis is indicated in all women with RIF. Nulliparous women with a history of mis-carriage and women with documented infertility are at greater risk of CA and are to be advised to undergo -karyotyping.

Digital holographic microscopy in human sperm imaging

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to use digital holographic microscopy (DHM) in human sperm imaging and compare quantitative phase contrast of sperm heads in normozoospermia (NZ) and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAT).

METHODS

DHM spermatozoa imaging and repeated quantitative phase shift evaluation were used. Five NZ and 5 OAT samples were examined. Semen samples were examined by semen analysis and processed for DHM. Main outcome measures were maximum phase shift value of the sperm heads. Differences of the phase shift and in NZ and OAT samples were statistically tested.

RESULTS

In NZ samples median phase shifts were in the range 2.72-3.21 rad and 2.00-2.15 in OAT samples. Differences among individual samples were statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups. Median phase shift according to sperm count was 2.90 rad in NZ samples and 2.00 rad in OAT samples. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative evaluation of the phase shift by DHM could provide new information on the exact structure and composition of the sperm head. At present, this technique is not established for clinical utility.

Cytogenetic abnormalities in 1162 couples with recurrent miscarriages in southern region of India: report and review

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the contribution of chromosomal anomalies and the frequency of a particular type of aberration in couples with recurrent miscarriages.

METHODS

A total of 1,162 couples with recurrent miscarriages were analyzed using G-banding and Fluorescence in situ hybridization where ever necessary.

RESULTS

Chromosomal anomalies were detected in 78 cases. This study describes majority of the cases with balanced reciprocal translocations. Among the abnormal karyotypes we also report for the first time three unique translocations involving (3;14), (18;22) and (X;22) chromosomes which were confirmed by molecular cytogenetic methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The review of literature and the overall incidence of the abnormalities suggest that chromosomal analysis in couples with recurrent miscarriages should be taken up by all the practioners at all levels. This not only helps to check the cytological abnormalities but also helps to correlate the recurrent abnormalities in a given population. Thus establishing and correlating the environmental and genetic condition of that particular phenotype and genotype.

Cytogenetic abnormalities detected in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia

PURPOSE

To find the frequency and types of major chromosomal abnormalities with nonobstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia to give appropriate genetic counseling before assisted reproduction techniques in Isparta (South of Turkey), and to investigate the general characteristics in this infertile male population.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

A total of 115 infertile males (92 were azoospermic, 23 severe oligospermic) were studied for the cytogenetic evaluation prior to use of assisted reproduction techniques. Also, 60 fertile males as a control group were studied. Karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes according to the standard methods. Levels of luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and prolactin were obtained and a testicular sonography examination was conducted.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities was found to be 4.3% (5/115), including 4 patients with Klinefelter's Syndrome and 1 patient with gonadal dysgenesis (46XX). All of them were azoospermic males, corresponding to a frequency of 5.4% (5/92 patients). Oligozoospermic males and control males had no chromosomal abnormalities. There was a significant difference in serum FSH, LH, mean testicular volume and smoking when comparing patients (both azoospermic and oligozoospermic) and control groups (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in serum FSH, LH and mean testicular volume when compared with azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities among infertile males strongly suggests the need for routine genetic testing and counseling prior to the employment of assisted reproduction techniques.

Chromosomal abnormalities in infertile men referred to iran blood transfusion organization research center

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of somatic chromosomal abnormalities in infertile male individuals has been reported to vary in different literatures. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of chromosomal aberrations among infertile men referred to the Cytogenetic Laboratory of Iran Blood Transfusion Organization Research Centre (IBTO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chromosomal analysis was performed on phytohemag-glutinin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral lymphocyte cultures of 1052 infertile men using standard cytogenetic methods. The study took place during 1997 to 2007.

RESULTS

Total chromosome alterations were revealed in 161 (15.30%) infertile men. The most prevalent chromosomal abnormality in the infertile men was 47, XXY, that was seen in 94 (58.38%) men while one of them had a mosaic karyotype: mos 47, XX[54]/47,XXY[18]/46,XY[9]. In 37 (22.98%) cases, structural aberrations were detected. There were 30 (18.63%) cases of sex reversal.

CONCLUSION

Cytogenetic studies of these patients showed increased chromosomal abnormalities in infertile men in comparison with that of the normal population, justifying the need for cytogenetic analysis of men with idiopathic infertility.