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Hydrometrocolpos in Infants: Etiologies and Clinical Presentations. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020219. [PMID: 35204939 PMCID: PMC8870707 DOI: 10.3390/children9020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Hydrometrocolpos (HMC) is a rare condition where fluids or secretions accumulate in the vagina (hydrocolpos) or up to the uterus (hydrometrocolpos). This case series study reports three infants with different etiologies and presentations of HMC and aims to review literature for proper workup upon initial diagnosis. The first neonate antenatally presented with a huge cystic mass. HMC secondary to imperforate hymen was proved, and hymenotomy was performed at 2 days of age. The second participant presented with persistent urogenital sinus and hematopoietic chimerism, possibly due to transfusion from her twin brother via placenta anastomoses. At 2 months of corrected age, she had difficult defecating, and sonogram revealed HMC with normal appearance of uterus and ovaries. Regular follow-ups and surgical reconstruction will be conducted before puberty. The third patient had cloacal malformation and multiple congenital anomalies at birth. Vesicovaginal fistula-related HMC was detected and managed with surgical drainage in the neonate stage. The girl began menstruation with dysmenorrhea at 12 years. The image studies demonstrated hematometrocolpos secondary to left-side hemivaginal septum, uterine didelphy, and ipsilateral renal agenesis, indicating Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome. HMC can be diagnosed easily via sonogram. Careful external genitalia examinations help to identify persistent urogenital sinus or cloacal malformation. Occasionally, the HMC may be part of syndrome manifestations or associated with sex chromosome anomalies. Clinicians may conduct surveillance of renal, cardiac, and skeletal systems as well as chromosome study for early diagnosis and management.
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Tozzo P, Delicati A, Zambello R, Caenazzo L. Chimerism Monitoring Techniques after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Overview of the Last 15 Years of Innovations. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040621. [PMID: 33808342 PMCID: PMC8065704 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimerism analysis is a well-established method for monitoring the state of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) over time by analyzing peripheral blood or bone marrow samples of the recipient in several malignant and non-malignant hematologic diseases. From a clinical point of view, a continuous monitoring is fundamental for an effective early therapeutic intervention. This paper provides a comparative overview of the main molecular biology techniques which can be used to study chimerism after bone marrow transplantation, focusing on their advantages and disadvantages. According to the examined literature, short tandem repeats (STR) analysis through simple PCR coupled with capillary electrophoresis (STR-PCR) is the most powerful method which guarantees a high power of differentiation between different individuals. However, other methods such as real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology were developed to overcome the technical limits of STR-PCR. In particular, these other techniques guarantee a higher sensitivity, which allows for the detection of chimerism at an earlier stage, hence expanding the window for therapeutic intervention. After a comparative evaluation of the various techniques, it seems clear that STR-PCR still remains the gold standard option for chimerism study, even if it is likely that both dPCR and NGS could supplement or even replace the common methods of STR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Tozzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-827-2235
| | - Arianna Delicati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Renato Zambello
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Padova University School of Medicine, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (L.C.)
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Armitage AM, Kundra MA, Ghiam N, Atwal PS, Morel D, Hruska KS, Torene R, Harbour JW, Forghani I. Chimerism involving a RB1 pathogenic variant in monochorionic dizygotic twins with twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 185:208-212. [PMID: 33037780 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We report the first case of blood chimerism involving a pathogenic RB1 variant in naturally conceived monochorionic-dizygotic twins (MC/DZ) with the twin-twin-transfusion syndrome (TTTS), presumably caused by the exchange of stem-cells. Twin A developed bilateral retinoblastoma at 7 months of age. Initial genetic testing identified a de novo RB1 pathogenic variant, with a 20% allelic ratio in both twins' blood. Subsequent genotyping of blood and skin confirmed dizygosity, with the affected twin harboring the RB1 pathogenic variant in skin and blood, and the unaffected twin carrying the variant only in blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Armitage
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Monica A Kundra
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Neda Ghiam
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Dayna Morel
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - J William Harbour
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Irman Forghani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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4
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Natural human chimeras: A review. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103971. [PMID: 32565253 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.103971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The term chimera has been borrowed from Greek mythology and has a long history of use in biology and genetics. A chimera is an organism whose cells are derived from two or more zygotes. Recipients of tissue and organ transplants are artificial chimeras. This review concerns natural human chimeras. The first human chimera was reported in 1953. Natural chimeras can arise in various ways. Fetal and maternal cells can cross the placental barrier so that both mother and child may become microchimeras. Two zygotes can fuse together during an early embryonic stage to form a fusion chimera. Most chimeras remain undetected, especially if both zygotes are of the same genetic sex. Many are discovered accidently, for example, during a routine blood group test. Even sex-discordant chimeras can have a normal male or female phenotype. Only 28 of the 50 individuals with a 46,XX/46,XY karyotype were either true hermaphrodites or had ambiguous genitalia. Blood chimeras are formed by blood transfusion between dizygotic twins via the shared placenta and are more common than was once assumed. In marmoset monkey twins the exchange via the placenta is not limited to blood but can involve other tissues, including germ cells. To date there are no examples in humans of twin chimeras involving germ cells. If human chimeras are more common than hitherto thought there could be many medical, social, forensic, and legal implications. More multidisciplinary research is required for a better understanding of this fascinating subject.
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Choi EJ, Kim SR, Kim YJ, Kang SM, Kim GY, Kim JH, Lee YJ. Clinical and Genetic Analysis of an Infertile Male with 46,XX/46,XY Chimerism. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13215. [PMID: 30536450 DOI: 10.1111/and.13215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex chromosome-discordant chimerism 46,XX/46,XY is rarely found in humans with a phenotypically normal appearance, and this lack of phenotypic changes and the rarity of chimerism make it difficult to identify its exact incidence. Here, we report a case of this sex chromosome-discordant chimerism diagnosed by cytogenic and molecular analyses of peripheral blood in a phenotypically normal male who was referred to our facility for infertility. Based on the karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and short tandem repeat (STR) analyses, the type of this chimerism was determined to be tetragametic presenting four alleles at two loci on chromosomes 16 and 21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Choi
- iDream Research Center, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Young Joo Kim
- iDream Research Center, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo Man Kang
- iDream Research Center, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gi Young Kim
- Department of Urology, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Hyun Kim
- Department of Urology, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Jin Lee
- iDream Research Center, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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6
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Laursen RJ, Alsbjerg B, Vogel I, Gravholt CH, Elbaek H, Lildballe DL, Humaidan P, Vestergaard EM. Case of successful IVF treatment of an oligospermic male with 46,XX/46,XY chimerism. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1325-1328. [PMID: 29713857 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We present a case of an infertile male with 46,XX/46,XYchimerism fathering a child after ICSI procedure. METHODS Conventional cytogenetic analysis on chromosomes, derived from lymphocytes, using standard Q-banding procedures with a 450-550-band resolution and short-tandem-repeat analysis of 14 loci. RESULTS Analysis of 20 metaphases from lymphocytes indicated that the proband was a karyotypic mosaic with an almost equal distribution between male and female cell lines. In total, 12 of 20 (60%) metaphases exhibited a normal female karyotype 46,XX, while 8 of 20 (40%) metaphases demonstrated a normal male karyotype 46,XY. No structural chromosomal abnormalities were present. Out of 14 STR loci, two loci (D18S51 and D21S11) showed four different alleles in peripheral blood, buccal mucosal cells, conjunctival mucosal cells, and seminal fluid. In three loci (D2S1338, D7S820, and vWA), three alleles were detected with quantitative differences that indicated presence of four alleles. In DNA extracted from washed semen, four alleles were detected in one locus, and three alleles were detected in three loci. This pattern is consistent with tetragametic chimerism. There were no quantitative significant differences in peak heights between maternal and paternal alleles. STR-analysis on DNA from the son confirmed paternity. CONCLUSION We report a unique case with 46,XX/46,XY chimerism confirmed to be tetragametic, demonstrated in several tissues, with male phenotype and no genital ambiguity with oligospermia fathering a healthy child after IVF with ICSI procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Laursen
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark.
| | - B Alsbjerg
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark.,Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - I Vogel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - C H Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Molecular Medicine (MOMA), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Elbaek
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
| | - D L Lildballe
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - P Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark.,Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - E M Vestergaard
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Unusual Twinning Resulting in Chimerism: A Systematic Review on Monochorionic Dizygotic Twins. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 20:161-168. [DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, it is understood that dizygotic (DZ) twins always have a dichorionic placenta. However, with 8% blood chimerism in DZ twins, placental sharing is probably more common than previously has been recognized. In this article, we will review all available cases of monochorionic dizygotic (MCDZ) twins. A total of 31 twins have been described in literature. A monochorionic diamniotic placenta is reported in all cases. Assisted reproductive technology is responsible for the origin of the pregnancy in 82.1% of the cases. In 15.4% of the sex-discordant twins, a genital anomaly was reported in one of the twins. Chimerism is demonstrable in 90.3% of the twins, leading to various diagnostic difficulties. As this review shows that most MCDZ twins are discovered by accident, it can be argued that it is far more common than has been assumed until now. However, the prevalence is still unclear. Awareness of MCDZ twinning is important, with subsequently correct medical strategies. Similarly, the resulting (blood) chimerism is essential to consider in diagnostic procedures, pre- and postnatally. More research on the effect of placental transfusion between sex-discordant twins is required.
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8
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Abstract
During pregnancy maternal and fetal cells commute back and forth leading to fetal microchimerism in the mother and maternal microchimerism in the child that can persist for years after the birth. Chimeric fetal and maternal cells can be hematopoietic or can differentiate into somatic cells in multiple organs, potentially acting as targets for ‘autoimmunity' and so have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases that resemble graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplantation. Fetal cells have been found in women with systemic lupus erythematosus, both in the blood and a target organ, the kidney, suggesting that they may be involved in pathogenesis. Future studies will address how the host immune system normally tolerates maternal and fetal cells or how the balance may change during autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Stevens
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Childrens Hospital and Regional Medical Center, 307 Westlake Ave N, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109, Washington, USA.
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9
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McNamara HC, Kane SC, Craig JM, Short RV, Umstad MP. A review of the mechanisms and evidence for typical and atypical twinning. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:172-191. [PMID: 26548710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.10.930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms responsible for twinning and disorders of twin gestations have been the subject of considerable interest by physicians and scientists, and cases of atypical twinning have called for a reexamination of the fundamental theories invoked to explain twin gestations. This article presents a review of the literature focusing on twinning and atypical twinning with an emphasis on the phenomena of chimeric twins, phenotypically discordant monozygotic twins, mirror-image twins, polar body twins, complete hydatidiform mole with a coexistent twin, vanishing twins, fetus papyraceus, fetus in fetu, superfetation, and superfecundation. The traditional models attributing monozygotic twinning to a fission event, and more recent models describing monozygotic twinning as a fusion event, are critically reviewed. Ethical restrictions on scientific experimentation with human embryos and the rarity of cases of atypical twinning have limited opportunities to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which these phenomena occur. Refinements in the modeling of early embryonic development in twin pregnancies may have significant clinical implications. The article includes a series of figures to illustrate the phenomena described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C McNamara
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Womens Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefan C Kane
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Womens Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roger V Short
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Umstad
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Womens Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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10
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[Blood cell chimerism in dizygotic twins conceived by in vitro fertilization]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2013; 79:248-52. [PMID: 23726690 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a case of hematopoietic chimerism in dizygotic twins (male and female) conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF). At 8 years of age a blood karyotype was performed on the female due to the presence of clitoromegaly. Two different lines: 46,XX (53%) and 46,XY (47%) were found. FISH studies confirmed the presence of the SRY gene in 46,XY cells. Karyotyping of the male showed two different lines: 46,XY (58%) and 46,XX (42%). SRY gene was present in 46,XY cells. Microsatellite analyses of blood DNA revealed tetra-allelic contribution at some autosomal loci with similar proportions of maternal and paternal alleles and X/Y chromosome dose. FISH in buccal mucous showed that all cells from the female were 46,XX and those from the male 46,XY. The gonadal karyotype in the female was 46,XX without SRY. Hence, we report 46,XX/46,XY chimerism in dizygotic twins. Blood chimerism was confirmed by performing FISH on the buccal cells of the patients.
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11
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Chen K, Chmait RH, Vanderbilt D, Wu S, Randolph L. Chimerism in monochorionic dizygotic twins: Case study and review. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 161A:1817-24. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Chen
- University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ramen H. Chmait
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA
| | - Douglas Vanderbilt
- Department of Pediatrics; Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA
| | - Samuel Wu
- Department of Pathology; Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA
| | - Linda Randolph
- Department of Pediatrics; Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA
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12
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Jang JH, Jung H, Kim JH, Park WS, Kim SH. Blood chimerism in a dizygotic dichorionic pregnancy. Korean J Lab Med 2011; 30:521-4. [PMID: 20890086 DOI: 10.3343/kjlm.2010.30.5.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood chimerism in twins is known to occur through the transfer of hematopoietic stem cells between the fetuses via a common placenta. We present a case of blood chimerism in a dizygotic dichorionic twin pregnancy. The female twin was delivered at 34 weeks of gestation, and the male twin was stillborn. Pathologic examination confirmed dichorionic diamniotic placentas. The karyotype of the female child was obtained using peripheral blood sample, and it revealed a mixture of 46,XX and 46,XY cells (chi 46,XY[13]/46,XX[7]). FISH analysis performed on the buccal cells by using CEP X/Y probe (Abbott Molecular Inc., USA) revealed 100% XX signals (nuc ish Xcen(DXZ1x2)[500]). Gross examination of the external genitalia and abdominal ultrasonography revealed no definitive abnormal findings in relation to sex differentiation. When XX/XY chimerism is present in blood lymphocytes, careful examination of external genitalia and reproductive organs and further studies are required to detect chimerism in non-hematopoetic tissues. This is a rare case of blood chimerism in dichorionic placentas, in contrast to those in monochorionic placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ja-Hyun Jang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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13
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Bogdanova N, Siebers U, Kelsch R, Markoff A, Röpke A, Exeler R, Tsokas J, Wieacker P. Blood chimerism in a girl with Down syndrome and possible freemartin effect leading to aplasia of the Müllerian derivatives. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:1339-43. [PMID: 20190264 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis in a case of sex-discordant dizygotic twins revealed blood chimerism in the girl (46,XY in blood and 47,XX, + 21 in fibroblasts) caused by feto-fetal transfusion from her healthy brother. The girl presented with Down syndrome, aplasia of the uterus and the Fallopian tubes and normal female external genitalia. We propose that the lack of Müllerian structures is caused by the effect of the Müllerian inhibiting substance transferred from the male to the female twin in early pregnancy. This disorder of sex development is known as freemartin phenomenon in female cattle from sex-discordant twin pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bogdanova
- Institute of Human Genetics, ZMBE Westfalian Wilhelms-University of Münster and University Clinics Münster, Münster, Germany
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14
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Chimerism detected in fraternal twins using ABI AmpFlSTR® Identifiler. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2009.08.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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15
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Brüderlein S, Müller K, Melzner J, Högel J, Wiegand P, Möller P. Different rates of telomere attrition in peripheral lymphocytes in a pair of dizygotic twins with hematopoietic chimerism. Aging Cell 2008; 7:663-6. [PMID: 18616638 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2008.00413.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic chimerism in dizygotic twins is due to placental vascular anastomoses and arises when hematopoietic stem cells from one twin home to the bone marrow of the other. We report a case of hematopoietic chimerism in a pair of 27-year-old dizygotic twins who each had a mixture of 46,XX and 46,XY blood lymphocytes, both with 98% male (XY) lymphocytes and 2% female (XX) lymphocytes. Analysis of telomere length by T/C FISH revealed that the female twin generally had longer telomeres than the male twin. Moreover, in the male sibling, the telomeres within the female lymphocytes were shortened to 87% of their original length, while the telomeres within the male lymphocytes were 33% longer in the female sibling. Thus, telomere length attrition in peripheral lymphocytes is determined mainly by the environment of the cell and less by intracellular factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Brüderlein
- Institute of Pathology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, Germany
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16
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Stevens AM. Do maternal cells trigger or perpetuate autoimmune diseases in children? Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2007; 5:9. [PMID: 17550578 PMCID: PMC1892552 DOI: 10.1186/1546-0096-5-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The placental barrier is not the impenetrable wall that it was once presumed to be. During pregnancy, fetal cells pass into the mother, where they persist for decades after the pregnancy, leading to fetal microchimerism (FMc). Maternal cells also pass into the fetus, where they can persist long after birth of the child into adulthood, leading to maternal microchimerism(MMc). FMc and MMc represent foreign cells, and thus have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases that resemble graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplantation. FMc, hypothesized to contribute to the high predisposition of autoimmune diseases in women, has been reviewed recently. In patients who have never been pregnant, (children, males, and nulliparous females), MMc may represent the foreign cells that initiate or perpetuate chronic inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Stevens
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, 307 Westlake Ave N, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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17
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Tho SP, Jackson R, Kulharya AS, Reindollar RH, Layman LC, McDonough PG. Long-term follow-up and analysis of monozygotic twins concordant for 45,X/46,XY peripheral blood karyotype but discordant for phenotypic sex. Am J Med Genet A 2007; 143A:2616-22. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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18
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Bourthoumieu S, Esclaire F, Yardin C. Chimerism in twins: Caution is needed in interpretation of karyotypes. Am J Med Genet A 2006; 140:533-5. [PMID: 16470796 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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19
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Hwa HL, Ko TM, Huang CH, Chang LS. Prenatal Diagnosis and Genetic Analysis of a Fetus with 47,XX, +21/46,XX Mosaicism and XX/XY Chimerism. J Formos Med Assoc 2006; 105:659-63. [PMID: 16935767 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-6646(09)60165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of simultaneous occurrence of chimerism and autosomal mosaicism is extremely rare. We report the prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of a fetus in a twin pregnancy with mosaic 47,XX,+21/46,XX with chimeric XX/XY. A 36-year-old, para 1, woman was referred for genetic counseling at 20 weeks' gestation because of abnormal karyotype (47,XX,+21/46,XX) in one fetus in a twin pregnancy. Cordocentesis revealed 47,XX,+21[3]/46,XX[35]/46,XY[7] in this fetus. Postnatal cytogenetic analysis of cord blood confirmed three cell lines in this twin (A) and 46,XY in the co-twin (B). Postmortem pathologic findings of both fetuses were normal. Fluorescence in situ hybridization identified three cell lines in the cord blood of twin A. Molecular genetic analysis using polymorphic DNA markers revealed parental origin of fetal tissue, and confirmed the chimeric status. Molecular genetic analysis with polymorphic DNA markers help to differentiate chimerism from mosaicism and define the origin of cell lines, which may have importance in genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Lin Hwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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20
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Abstract
Human spontaneous chimerism, with one body built from cells of both twins of a dizygotic (DZ) pair, is supposed to be extremely rare, arising from the exchange of blood cells through placental anastomoses. Mosaicism is supposed to be far more common, arising from single zygotes by embryonic mutation. Because typical diagnosis of mosaicism can neither identify nor exclude chimerism, 'mosaicism' may often be chimerism undiscovered. Evidence shows chimerism arises primarily from DZ embryo fusion and is not rare, although it has negligible probability under the hypothesis of independent double ovulation and independent embryogenesis. If, instead, DZ twin embryos begin development as a single cell mass, chimerism is likely. This would be consistent with observations that DZ twins develop as differently from singletons as monozygotic twins do with regard to embryogenic establishment of asymmetries of midline neural-crest-driven structures of brain, face and heart. Chimerism is a significant component of human embryonic development that deserves closer attention as a mechanism of developmental variation. The 'common knowledge' understanding of twinning mechanisms is at best inadequate. The importance of the difference lies in what we can learn from chimerism about human embryogenesis and the cellular origins of structures and functions basic to the business of becoming human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Boklage
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, 3N72 Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville NC 27834, USA.
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21
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Flesland O, Ip LSK, Storlien AS, Spurkland A, Larsen J, Solheim BG. Microchimerism in immune competent patients related to the leukocyte content of transfused red blood cell concentrates. Transfus Apher Sci 2005; 31:173-80. [PMID: 15556463 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2004.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2004] [Revised: 07/01/2004] [Accepted: 07/01/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microchimerism may play a part in transfusion complications. The aim of this study was to examine whether establishment of post-transfusion microchimerism was related to leukocyte content. METHODS Twenty non-pregnant female patients, without known malignant or immunological diseases, mean age 68 years, receiving 2-4 units of red blood cell concentrates during elective surgery, were included. One or two of the units were from male donors. Ten patients received buffy-coat depleted red blood cell concentrates, leukocyte count 108-109 per unit, and 10 patients received red blood cells leukoreduced by prestorage leukocyte filtration, with a leukocyte count of <106 per unit. EDTA samples were collected in vacuum tubes before and after 1 week and 6 months after transfusion. The tubes were frozen and stored at -400 degrees C. Genomic DNA was isolated and PCR performed using four primer sets amplifying markers on the Y-chromosome. RESULTS Microchimerism was detected in a total of eight out of the 20 patients. In three patients microchimerism was detected only before transfusion. These patients had given birth to one or two boys each, and had no history of previous transfusion. Two patients receiving buffy-coat depleted red blood cell concentrates and two patients receiving leukoreduced red blood cell concentrates had detectable microchimerism 1 week after transfusion. The age of the transfused red blood cell concentrates was 6, 24, 8 and 7 days, respectively. One patient receiving leukoreduced red blood cell concentrates had detectable microchimerism after 6 months. The age of this concentrate was 22 days. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that microchimerism after transfusion does not seem to be dose dependent, and can be induced even by a >3 week old leukoreduced red blood cell concentrate with a very low leukocyte content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oystein Flesland
- Institute of Immunology, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo NO-0023, Norway; Blood Bank, Asker and Baerum Hospital, Rud NO-1309, Norway.
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Bourthoumieu S, Yardin C, Terro F, Gilbert B, Laroche C, Saura R, Vincent MC, Esclaire F. Monozygotic twins concordant for blood karyotype, but phenotypically discordant: A case of “mosaic chimerism”. Am J Med Genet A 2005; 135:190-4. [PMID: 15832362 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We report on 23 years old discordant monozygotic (MZ) twins, one with minor anomalies and mental delay, the other one being normal. Both had 46,XX,dup(11)(p12p15)/46,XX mosaicism in blood, with a similar proportion of abnormal cells (respectively, 16% and 17%). However, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis performed on buccal smear and urinary sediment using specific probes located at the duplicated region showed that mosaicism was only present in the abnormal twin, with 68% abnormal cells. We hypothesize that the postzygotic chromosomal rearrangement may have occurred early in one embryo after the twinning event, and the blood mosaicism observed in both twins would have resulted from blood exchanges via placental anastomoses. This hypothesis of chimerism is strongly supported by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome observed during fetal life of our twins. This case and those previously reported lead us to suggest that blood is particularly unsuitable for cytogenetic investigations of twins.
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Chen CP, Chern SR, Sheu JC, Lin SP, Hsu CY, Chang TY, Lee CC, Wang W, Chen HEC. Prenatal diagnosis, sonographic findings and molecular genetic analysis of a 46,XX/46,XY true hermaphrodite chimera. Prenat Diagn 2005; 25:502-6. [PMID: 15966046 DOI: 10.1002/pd.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present the prenatal diagnosis, sonographic findings and, molecular genetic analysis of a 46,XX/46,XY true hermaphrodite chimera and to review the literature. CLINICAL SUBJECT AND METHODS Amniocentesis was performed at 22 weeks' gestation because of sonographic diagnosis of ambiguous genitalia. Initial amniocentesis, repeat amniocentesis, and cordocentesis revealed a mixture of 46,XX cells and 46,XY cells. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis using the fetal and parental blood was applied to investigate the genetic origin of the chimera. A 3,625-g baby was delivered at 37 weeks' gestation with clitoromegaly, prominent labia majora, fusion of the labia, and an orifice of the urogenital sinus. A lymphangioma was noted over the right arm and was excised at age 3 days. Extraembryonic tissues and the infant's skin were cytogenetically and molecularly studied. RESULTS Initial amniocentesis, repeat amniocentesis, and cordocentesis revealed the karyotype of 46,XX[12]/46,XY[9], 46,XX[15]/46,XY[12], and 46,XX[27]/46,XY[15], respectively. The cytogenetic results of the extraembryonic tissues and skin were consistent with prenatal diagnosis. Informative sex chromosome and pericentromeric autosome markers demonstrated double paternal and single maternal genetic contributions. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of ambiguous genitalia should alert true hermaphroditism and prompt thorough genetic investigations. DNA marker analysis is helpful in delineation of true fetal chimerism as well as determination of its genetic origin in prenatally detected 46,XX/46,XY chromosome complement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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24
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Thiede C. Diagnostic chimerism analysis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: new methods and markers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 4:177-87. [PMID: 15174899 DOI: 10.2165/00129785-200404030-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of chimerism after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is important for assessing engraftment and the early detection of graft failure. In addition, the monitoring of minimal residual disease and early detection of imminent relapse has also become an important issue. Novel transplant procedures, for example dose-reduced conditioning protocols, rely on chimerism analysis to guide intervention, i.e. the reduction of immunosuppression or infusion of donor lymphocytes. During the last 30 years, several methods for the analysis of chimerism after hematopoietic cell transplantation have been published. Currently, fluorescent in situ hybridization (XY-FISH) analysis of sex chromosomes after transplantation from a sex-mismatched donor or analysis of polymorphic DNA sequences, i.e. short tandem repeats (STR) or variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), are the most widely used procedures used in the assessment of chimerism. Two major diagnostic fields can be defined for chimerism analysis: the period of engraftment and the detection of minimal residual disease. Although STR-PCR and FISH analysis are very useful in the diagnosis of engraftment and graft failure, they are only of limited use in the monitoring of minimal residual disease, largely because of its limited level of sensitivity (1-5% for the minor population). Several novel procedures to improve this level of detection have been reported in recent years. One focus has been the use of real-time PCR techniques based on analysis of the Y-chromosome or, more recently, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). These procedures combine quantitative analysis with high sensitivity (10(-4) to 10(-6)), and hold great potential for the future. In addition, the combination of cell sorting based on leukemia-specific immunophenotype and STR-PCR has been successfully used for minimal residual disease detection. First clinical data using these procedures indicate that intervention (e.g. the reduction of immunosuppression or donor lymphocyte infusion) may be effective in the minimal residual disease situation, even in high risk diseases like acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The optimal timing of these diagnostic interventions is a critical issue and has to be further optimized. Whether this will ultimately improve the survival of patients with leukemia after transplantation has to be shown in prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Thiede
- Medical Department, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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25
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Simon-Bouy B, Plachot M, Mokdad A, Lavaud N, Muti C, Bazin A, Vialard F, Belaisch-Allart J. Possible human chimera detected prenatally after in vitro fertilization: a case report. Prenat Diagn 2004; 23:935-7. [PMID: 14634982 DOI: 10.1002/pd.733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimerism is the coexistence of more than one cell line in an individual, due to the fusion of originally separate zygotes. It has been very rarely described in humans. METHODS A 36-year-old woman who was referred for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for unexplained infertility had three embryos transferred. RESULTS Four weeks and five days after the transfer, ultrasound examination detected a single fetus in the uterus. Ultrasound examination at 17 weeks for metrorrhagia showed severe intrauterine growth retardation. Amniocentesis revealed a mixture of 46,XY and 46,XX clones. Histopathologic examination showed a dysmorphic fetus with female phenotype and severe growth retardation. CONCLUSIONS Although demonstration by fingerprinting has not been possible, fusion of two of the three transferred embryos (one male and one female) seems to be the most probable mechanism that could explain both cytogenetic and histopathologic observations. No chimera has yet been described after IVF. It would be interesting to collect any such observations from other IVF centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Simon-Bouy
- Laboratoire SESEP, Université de Versailles, Versailles, France.
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26
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Simon-Bouy B, Plachot M, Mokdad A, Muti C, Bazin A, Vialard F, Belaisch-Allart J. Diagnostic prénatal d’une probable chimère humaine après fécondation in vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 32:143-6. [PMID: 15123138 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2003.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2003] [Accepted: 12/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chimerism is the coexistence of more than one cell line in an individual, due to the fusion of originally separate zygotes. It has been very rarely described in humans. A 36-year-old woman referred for in vitro fertilization (IVF) had three embryos transferred leading to a monofetal pregnancy. Ultrasound examination at 17 weeks showed severe intrauterine growth retardation. Amniocentesis revealed a mixture of 46,XY and 46,XX clones. Histopathologic examination showed a dysmorphic fetus with female phenotype and severe growth retardation. Fusion of two of the three embryos (one male and one female) seems to be the most probable mechanism that could explain both cytogenetic and histopathologic observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Simon-Bouy
- Laboratoire SESEP, université de Versailles, 45, avenue des Etats-Unis, 78000 Versailles, France.
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27
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Abstract
The Y chromosome has evolved to provide sex determination in mammals. In association with its evolution, genes important for spermatogenesis have been sequestered on this chromosome. Further, X chromosome inactivation has developed as a mechanism to prevent over-expression of genetic factors important for somatic function in females, with maintenance of their activity in males. The multi-repeat organization of the Y chromosome and limited regions of crossover with other chromosomes predisposes it to internal recombination and loss of genes that may be important for spermatogenesis. Y chromosome microdeletion testing of infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia provides prognostic information useful for management of these patients. In the presence of a complete deletion of the azoospermic factor a (AZFa) or AZFb regions, sperm retrieval is highly unlikely. Recent advances in our understanding of the organization and function of the Y chromosome are likely to enhance further the role of the Y chromosome in normal spermatogenesis and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N Schlegel
- Department of Urology, The New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
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