The aim of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between the levels of sperm DNA fragmentation and necrospermia in infertile men. Semen samples obtained from 70 men consulting for infertility evaluation were analyzed according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to the percentage of necrotic spermatozoa: normozoospermia (<30%; n = 20), moderate necrozoospermia (50-80%; n = 30), and severe necrozoospermia (>80%; n = 20). DNA fragmentation was detected by the terminal desoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was 9.28 ± 2.98% in patients with a normal level of necrotic spermatozoa, 20.25 ± 3.21% in patients with moderate necrozoospermia, and 35.31 ± 5.25% in patients with severe necrozoospermia. There was a statistically significant increase of DNA fragmentation in the necrozoospermic group (P < 0.01). A strong correlation was found between the degree of necrozoospermia and sperm DNA fragmentation. We concluded that patients with necrozoospermia showed a high level of DNA fragmentation compared to normozoospermic men. Severe necrozoospermia (>80%) is a predictive factor for increased sperm DNA damage.

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Purpose To analyse the segregation of a Robertsonian translocation t(13;14) in five male carriers, and to verify a possible inter-chromosomal effect (ICE) of the Robertsonian translocation on chromosomes 18, X, and Y. Methods The spermatozoa of these patients (n=5) and of 15 donors with normal semen parameters and 46,XY karyotype were analysed using triple colour FISH with locus specific probes for chromosomes 13, 14, and 21 and by triple colour FISH for chromosomes X, Y, and 18. Results The frequency of balanced spermatozoa resulting from alternate segregation varied between 62.16% and 81.70% with a mean of 71.5%. The rates of unbalanced spermatozoa resulting from adjacent segregation varied between 13.4% and 25.1% with a mean of 18.26%. Triple colour FISH X-Y-18 showed a significant increase in disomy frequencies of these chromosomes in comparison with controls, indicating an ICE. Conclusion In spite of the high number of normal/balanced frequencies, there remain many unbalanced spermatozoa resulting from adjacent mode of segregation. This raises the question of the unbalanced chromosomal risk for the offspring of 45,XY, t(13;14) males and the importance of the genetic counselling prior to ICSI or IVF treatment for couples where the male is a Robertsonian translocation carrier.

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