Detection of aneuploidy rate for chromosomes X, Y and 8 by fluorescence in-situ hybridization in spermatozoa from patients with severe non-obstructive oligozoospermia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of sperm nuclei disomy for chromosomes 8, X, and Y in patients with severe non-obstructive oligozoospermia and to assess possible correlations between sperm nuclei aneuploidy and semen parameters or a particular clinical phenotype.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sperm aneuploidy rate for chromosomes X, Y, and 8 were assessed in 16 infertile men with severe non-obstructive oligozoospermia and 7 healthy men with normal semen parameters. The frequency of sperm aneuploidy was compared between several patients groups according to their clinical and biological factors.
RESULTS: The total rate of chromosomally abnormal spermatozoa was significantly higher in patients with severe oligozoospermia compared to control group (P < 0.001). A significant relationship was found between the age of patients, sperm concentration, and morphology and the mean rate of sex chromosomes disomy. In addition to the low sperm count (<5 × 10(6)/ml), an elevated FSH level and an exposed to an elevated temperature are two major predictive factors leading to the production of higher numbers of chromosomally abnormal gametes.
CONCLUSION: Patients with severe oligozoospermia, who are potential candidates for assisted reproduction technology, presented a high level of sex numerical chromosome abnormalities, and consequently are at high risk of chromosome abnormalities in their offspring.