Analysis of Sperm Aneuploidies and DNA Fragmentation in Patients With Globozoospermia or With Abnormal Acrosomes

ObjectivesTo evaluate the levels of DNA fragmentation and aneuploidy rate in ejaculated sperm of men with globozoospermia and men with a predominance of abnormal acrosomes.MethodsThe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsThe 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.