Homogeneous Microscopic Abnormalities in Sperm Morphology and Immotility as A Cause of Male Infertility

Abstract

Objective To study the identification of the cause of specific sperm abnormalities. Methods Two adult men with specific alterations in sperm morphology causing 100% immobility were included in this study. The study of sperm used: transmission electron microscopy (both patients); apoptotic markers, DNA fragmentation test and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (patient 1) and immunocytochemistry study of sperm flagellum using anti-β tubulin antibodies and ciliary activity test (patient 2). Results Increased DNA fragmentation (52.6%) and apoptosis biomarkers were detected in patient 1, and loss of the central pair of microtubules in patient 2 (‘9+0’ axoneme); the nasal ciliary activity was normal. Conclusion Results suggest an apoptotic origin of the abnormalities in the sperm from patient 1 and dysplasia of the fibrous sheath in patient 2.