Microdeletions on the long arm of the Y chromosome and their association with male-factor infertility.
Significant advances in treatment have enabled previously infertile males to achieve fatherhood, when only a few years ago they would have had no chance of biological paternity. In contrast to the overall success of assisted reproduction, the aetiology of male-factor infertility is poorly understood. Recent studies have shown, however, that a significant proportion of men with severe infertility have microdeletions of the Y chromosome. Furthermore, reports have shown that male infants conceived through assisted reproductive techniques have inherited the same Y-chromosome microdeletion as their fathers. It has thus become important to screen men who are at risk of Y-chromosome microdeletions, as this will determine if counselling is needed prior to starting infertility treatment. This review examines the significance and limitations of the current understanding of Y-chromosome microdeletions in male infertility.
Briton-Jones
C
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin.
Haines
C J
CJ
D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D014998:Y Chromosome