The Y chromosome and male infertility.
OBJECTIVE
Therapies for the treatment of severe male factor infertility have advanced well beyond our knowledge of the conditions we are treating. An intact Y chromosome is necessary for optimal spermatogenesis. It is imperative for the clinician to understand the molecular basis and clinical implications of anomalies that might afflict the Y chromosome.


RESULTS
The molecular geography of the Y chromosome has recently been described, allowing correlations to be made to various clinical states of severe spermatogenic compromise. Microdeletions of parts of the Y chromosome are found in a small number of men with spermatogenic failure involving, predominantly, three regions termed AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc.


CONCLUSIONS
It is necessary that a Y chromosomal microdeletion assay be carried out prior to any intervention using ejaculated sperm or prior to any surgical procedure to try to find spermatozoa in an azoospermic man.
Sadeghi-Nejad
Hossein
H
UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601, USA. hossein@ix.netcom.com
Oates
Robert D
RD
D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics*