Globozoospermia: Do Y-chromosome microdeletions play a role in this rare spermatogenic disorder?
OBJECTIVE
To explore the possible relationship between Y-chromosome microdeletions and a rare spermatogenic disorder, globozoospermia.


METHODS
Twelve patients with 100% globozoospermia were evaluated. Each man was questioned about his medical and surgical history and underwent a thorough andrologic examination. Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and prolactin levels were measured. Routine sperm analysis and morphology with electron microscopy were done. A set of 17 Y-specific sequence-tagged sites spanning the 3 AZF regions and also RBM1, ZFY, SRY, sY78, CDY, BPY2 and PRY were tested to detect the existence of Y-chromosome microdeletions by polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 36 years (range, 27-42). No patient had abnormal blood concentrations of FSH, LH, testosterone or prolactin. Semen analysis revealed normal values for volume (2.2 mL) and concentration (32 x 10(6)/mL) but subnormal values for motility (37%) and progressive motility (24%). On light and electron microscopy, all the spermatozoa were round headed, with abnormal morphologic features. Patients had normal 46,XY karyotyping. No microdeletion of the Y chromosome was detected in any patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this study did not find any Y-chromosome microdeletions in patients with globozoospermia, the exact genetic locus resulting in this pathology requires further study.
Taskiran
Cagatay
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Baltaci
Volkan
V
Gunalp
Serdar
S
D000177:Acrosome / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000328:Adult; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D017384:Sequence Deletion; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000002:abnormalities*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone