Analysis of sperm aneuploidies and DNA fragmentation in patients with globozoospermia or with abnormal acrosomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the levels of DNA fragmentation and aneuploidy rate in ejaculated sperm of men with globozoospermia and men with a predominance of abnormal acrosomes.

Methods: The semen samples obtained from 2 globozoospermic men, 8 patients with a predominance of abnormal acrosomes, and 20 fertile men were analyzed using the fluorescence in situ hybridization and the terminal desoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick-end labeling assay. Dual fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomes 8 and 12, and triple fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 were performed.

Results: The patients with globozoospermia and those with a predominance of abnormal acrosomes had a significantly greater percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation compared with the controls (P < .01). In addition, a modest increase in the frequency of sex chromosome aneuploidy and disomy 8 was found in these patients compared with the controls (P < .01). A significant correlation was established between the abnormal acrosome and chromosomal aneuploidy.

Conclusions: The high level of DNA fragmentation, in addition to moderate chromosomal abnormalities, might contribute to the low fertilization rate and poor pregnancy prognosis reported in the present category of patients.