Significant reduction of sperm disomy in six men: effect of traditional Chinese medicine?
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that levels of sperm disomy fell significantly in six men treated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).


METHODS
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was done on the sperm heads of six men before and during treatment by TCM.


RESULTS
There was a significant reduction in sperm disomy in all six men. This coincided with TCM treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study reporting a significant reduction in sperm disomy in men over a given time course. The fact that this coincided with TCM treatment is intriguing but no conclusions can be drawn from this until placebo-controlled clinical trials are implemented.
Tempest
Helen G
HG
Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK.
Homa
Sheryl T
ST
Zhai
Xiao-Ping
XP
Griffin
Darren K
DK
D000328:Adult; D000782:Aneuploidy; D041321:Chromosomes, Human, X / Q000235:genetics; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y / Q000235:genetics; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal