Semen parameters in male carriers of Robertsonian translocations (13;14)

Abstract

Background. Robertsonian translocations (RTs) are the most common type of balanced chromosomal abnormalities. RT male carriers have an increased risk of reproductive disorders, but the causes of this still are not clear enough.Aim. To evaluate semen parameters in RT(13;14) male carriers.Materials and methods. 24 men with 45,XY,der(13;14)(q10;q10) karyotype and infertility (n = 23) or recurrent pregnancy loss in spouse (n = 1).Results. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia was detected in 18 (75 %) patients, asthenoteratozoospermia in 3 (13 %) patients, and azoospermia in 2 (8 %) patients. Normozoospermia was detected in 1 (4 %) patient, whose wife had a history of recurrent pregnancy loss.Conclusion. Infertility in the examined RT male carriers is associated with spermatogenesis disorders, in most cases resulted in oligozooasthenoteratozoospermia.