Y-chromosomal microdeletions and partial deletions of the Azoospermia Factor c(AZFc)region in normozoospermic,severe oligozoospermic and azoospermic men in Sri Lanka

Aim： To assess for the first time the occurrence of Y chromosomal microdeletions and partial deletions of the Azoospermia Factor c （AZFc） region in Sri Lankan men and to correlate them with clinical parameters. Methods： In a retrospective study, we analyzed 96 infertile men （78 with non-obstructive azoospermia） and 87 controls with normal spermatogenesis. AZFa, AZFb, AZFc and partial deletions within the AZFc region were analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） according to established protocols. Results： No AZFa, AZFb or AZFc deletions were found in the control group. Seven patients in the group of infertile men were found to have deletions as following： one AZFa, two AZFc, two AZFbc and two AZFabc. The relative distribution of these patterns was significantly different compared with that found in the German population. Extension analysis confirmed that the deletions occurred according to the current pathogenic model, gr/gr deletions were found to be equally present both in the patients （n = 4） and in the control group （n = 4）. One b2/b3 deletion was found in the patient group. Conclusion： These results suggest that the frequency and pattern of microdeletions of the Y chromosome in Sri Lankan men are similar to those found in other populations and confirm that gr/gr deletions are not sufficient to cause spermatogenetic failure. （Asian J Androl 2006 Jan; 8： 39-44）

AZF microdeletions and partial deletions of AZFc region on the Y chromosome in Moroccan men

Aim： To evaluate for the first time the frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions and the occurrence of the partial deletions of AZFc region in Moroccan men, and to discuss the clinical significance of AZF deletions. Methods： We screened Y chromosome microdeletions and partial deletions of the AZFc region of a consecutive group of infertile men （n = 149） and controls （100 fertile men, 76 normospermic men）. AZFa, AZFb, AZFc and partial deletions of the AZFc region were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） according to established protocols. Results： Among the 127 infertile men screened for microdeletion, four subjects were found to have microdeletions： two AZFc deletions and two AZFb＋AZFc deletions. All the deletions were found only in azoospermic subjects （4/48, 8.33%）. The overall AZFc deletion frequency was low （4/127, 3.15%）. AZF microdeletions were not observed in either oligoasthenoteratozoospermia （OATS） or the control. Partial deletions of AZFc （gr/gr） were observed in a total of 7 of the 149 infertile men （4.70%） and 7 partial AZFc deletions （gr/gr） were found in the control group （7/176, 3.98%）. In addition, two b2/b3 deletions were identified in two azoospermic subjects （2/149, 1.34%） but not in the control group. Conclusion： Our results suggest that the frequency of Y chromosome AZF microdeletions is elevated in individuals with severe spermatogenic failure and that gr/gr deletions are not associated with spermatogenic failure.

Vertical transmission of the Yq AZFc microdeletion from father to son over two or three generations in infertile Han Chinese families

This study was carried out to analyze the vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletions from father to son in infertile Han Chinese families to investigate genetic factors and family background affecting fertility status.The peripheral blood of infertile males in 19 Han families was extracted and screened with modified multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Family trees were drawn according to fertility status and clinical characteristics of the subjects. The vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletions was detected in six cases of 19 investigated families （31.6%,6/19）. Although both fathers and sons showed a similar type of Yq AZFc deletion,the fathers were fertile,whereas the sons were infertile and showed severe oligozoospermia. The vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletion from fertile fathers to infertile sons over generations is not rare. This has different effects on fertility status in fathers and sons in Han Chinese families. Both genetic factors and family background affect spermatogenetic phenotypes.

Frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions and chromosomal abnormalities in infertile Thai men with oligozoospermia and azoospermia

Aim： To investigate the possible causes of oligozoospermia and azoospermia in infertile Thai men, and to find the frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in this group. Methods： From June 2003 to November 2005, 50 azoospermic and 80 oligozoospermic men were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was taken for each man, followed by general and genital examinations. Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） using 11 gene-specific primers that covered all three regions of the azoospermic factor （AZFa, AZFb and AZFc）. Fifty men with normal semen analysis were also studied. Karyotyping was done with the standard G- and Q-banding. Serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, prolactin （PRL） and testosterone were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays （ECLIA）. Results： Azoospermia and oligozoospermia could be explained by previous orchitis in 22.3%, former bilateral cryptorchidism in 19.2%, abnormal karyotypes in 4.6% and Y chromosome microdeletions in 3.8% of the subjects. The most frequent deletions were in the AZFc region （50%）, followed by AZFb （33%） and AZFbc （17%）. No significant difference was detected in hormonal profiles of infertile men, with or without microdeletions. Conclusion： The frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in oligozoospermic and azoospermic Thai men are comparable with similarly infertile men from other Asian and Western countries.

The prevalence of azoospermia factor microdeletion on the Y chromosome of Chinese infertile men detected by multi-analyte suspension array technology

Aim： To develop a high-throughput multiplex, fast and simple assay to scan azoospermia factor （AZF） region microdeletions on the Y chromosome and establish the prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Chinese infertile males with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. Methods： In total, 178 infertile patients with azoospermia （nonobstructed）, 134 infertile patients with oligozoospermia as well as 40 fertile man controls were included in the present study. The samples were screened for AZF microdeletion using optimized multi-analyte suspension array （MASA） technology. Results： Of the 312 patients, 36 （11.5%） were found to have deletions in the AZF region. The rnicrodeletion frequency was 14% （25/178） in the azoospermia group and 8.2% （11/134） in the oligospermia group. Among 36 patients with microdeletions, 19 had deletions in the AZFc region, seven had deletions in AZFa and six had deletions in AZFb. In addition, four patients had both AZFb and AZFc deletions. No deletion in the AZF region was found in the 40 fertile controls. Conclusion： There is a high prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Chinese infertile males with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. The MASA technology, which has been established in the present study, provides a sensitive and high-throughput method for detecting the deletion of the Y chromosome. And the results suggest that genetic screening should be advised to infertile men before starting assisted reproductive treatments.

Y chromosome microdeletions in azoospermic patients with Klinefelter's syndrome

Aim： To study the occurrence of Y chromosome microdeletions in azoospermic patients with Klinefelter＇s syndrome （KFS）. Methods： Blood and semen samples were collected from azoospermic patients with KFS （n = 14） and a control group of men of proven fertility （n = 13）. Semen analysis was done according to World Health Organization （WHO） guidelines. Blood samples were processed for karyotyping, fluorescent in situ hybridization （FISH） and measurement of plasma follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） by radioimmunoassay. To determine Y chromosome microdeletions, polymerase chain reaction （PCR） of 16 sequence tagged sites （STS） and three genes （DFFRY, XKRY and RBM1 Y） was performed on isolated genomic DNA. Testicular fine needle aspiration cytology （FNAC） was done in selected cases. Results： Y chromosome microdeletions spanning the azoospermia factor （AZF）a and AZFb loci were found in four of the 14 azoospermic patients with KFS. Karyotype and FISH analysis revealed that, of the four cases showing Y chromosome microdeletion, three cases had a 47,XXY/46,XY chromosomal pattern and one case had a 46,XY/47,XXY/48,XXXY/48,XXYY chromosomal pattern. The testicular FNAC of one sample with Y chromosome microdeletion revealed Sertoli cell-only type of morphology. However, no Y chromosome microdeletions were observed in any of the 13 fertile men. All patients with KFS had elevated plasma FSH levels. Conclusion： Patients with KFS may harbor Y chromosome microdeletions and screening for these should be a part of their diagnostic work-up, particularly in those considering assisted reproductive techniques. （Asian JAndrol 2006 Jan; 8： 81-88）

Y microdeletions in the Istria county,Croatia

Aim:To establish the frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions in an unselected group of infertile Croatian men. Methods:An unselected group of 105 patients (male partners of infertile couples),both with idiopathic and non- idiopathic infertility,consecutively referred to the outpatient infertility clinic,gynecology department,General Hospital Pula,Istria County,Croatia,was examined for the presence or absence of Y chromosome microdeletions by poly- merase chain reaction analysis.Results:One of the 105 men (0.95 %,95 % CI=0.17-5.2 %) was found to have a microdeletion.Conclusion:A low frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions was found in the group of unselected infertile Croatian men.

Molecular study on Y chromosome microdeletions in Egyptian males with idiopathic infertility

Aim: To determine the frequency of genetic deletions within the azoospermia factors in Egyptian infertile males. Methods: The Yq microdeletions in 33 infertile males with undetectable chromosomal anomalies were examined by mutiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Deletions were confirmed using single PCR amplifications. Results: Four out of the total 33 (12 %) men had Yq11 microdeletions, thus supporting the average reported figures in other populations. Three of those 4 cases had single short tandem sequence deletions with discrete histological findings of their testes. Single sY272 deletion within AZFc was associated with Sertoli cell only syndrome, whereas a patient with isolated sY84 deletion within AZFa had immature testicular structure. The remaining case had a large deletion in AZFa-c and short stature. Conclusion: The present study supports the hypothesis that the Yqn encompasses genetic determinants of stature besides genes controlling spermatogenesis.

Implications of Cytogenetic Abnormalities and Azoospermia Factor Microdeletions in Assisted Procreation

Assisted procreation techniques have revolutionized the management of infertility and have offered hope to millions of infertile couples. The main aim of these procedures is to produce healthy offspring. However recent studies on short term outcome of ART have reported a higher incidence of low birth weight, development delay, imprinting defects, sex and autosomal structural abnormalities, major and minor congenital malformation and certain cancers in babies conceived via ART. Further the health of ART conceived children beyond the neonatal period have been less well evaluated. A large number of infertile couples opting for ART have an underlying genetic aetiology. These genetic aberrations are iatrogenitically transmitted via ART. Thus it is important that all couples undergo a detailed and comprehensive genetic evaluation prior to ART.

Multiplex PCR Screening of Y Chromosome Microdeletions in Azoospermic Patients

Objective To develop a multiplex PCR protocol for routine screening of microdeletions on the Y chromosome Methods Five multiplex sets were established and Y chromosome microdeletions screening were carried out in 26 azoospermic men who undertook ICSI and 30 azoospermic men who undertook testicular biopsy. Results In 56 azoospermic men, 5 patients were found with AZFc/DAZ microdeletions, 2 patients were accompanied by AZFc/DAZ and AZFb/RBM1 double microdeletion, and 1 patient had only single sY153 microdeletion. Conclusion The multiplex PCR protocol presented in this study is an easy and reliable method for detecting microdeletions on the Y chromosome. Routine screening for microdeletions on the Y chromosome in azoospermic patients is essential.

Studies on microdeletion of genes relevant to spermatoge nesis in infertile men

Objective: To study the relationship between relevant gene micro-deletion and spermatogenesis in infertile men. Methods: To analyze the relevant genes of the Y-chromosome and the karyotype of peripheral blood chromosome in 149 azoospermic/sever oligo-spermic infertile men and 100 normal controls by multipolymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Microdeletions in different gene segments of the Y-chromosome were present in 11 cases of the infertile group (7.38 %). No microdeletion in the corresponding areas was found in the controls. The incidence of abnormal karyotype in the infertile group was 14.09 % and in the controls, 2 %. In the 11 infertiles with microdeletion in different gene segments, only one had abnormal karyotype, indicating no relativity between the two. Conclusion: Microdeletion of Y-chromosome may be an important cause of male infertility.

Yq AZF microdeletions in male infertility:An update on the phenotypic spectrum,epidemiology and diagnostics

According to the latest data,globally 15%of couples have infertility and male infertility contributes to 10%of all cases.Infertility can be caused by certain biological changes in the gonads and the reproductive system like azoospermia,oligospermia,asthenospermia,teratozoospermia and hypospermatogenesis.Genetic causes of azoospermia include chromosomal abnormalities,Y chromosome microdeletions and deletion or other mutations of Y-linked genes.The maximum number of the genes are located in the azoospermia factor region of the long arm(Yq)of the Y chromosome.Y chromosome microdeletion is known as the second major genetic cause of spermatogenetic failure.This article aims to review the latest updates on the involvement of Yq microdeletions in male infertility.The diagnostics,prevalence and phenotypic spectrum related to Yq gene microdeletions are discussed.

Molecular genetic analysis of microdeletion on AZF/DAZ gene in patients with idiopathic azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia in Fujian

Objective: To identify microdeletions in azoospermia factor(AZF) gene loci in patients with idiopathic azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia in Fujian. Methods: Molecular genetic detection method was used to detect microdeletion at the AZFa, AZFb, AZFc /DAZ,SRY region of Y chromosome in 47 azoospermia and 4 severe oligozoospermia patients. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. The sequence tagged site (STS) primers tested in each cases were sY84(AZFa), sY 143(AZFb) sY254(AZFc).SRY region of Y chromosome for control. The PCR products were analyzed on a 2.0% agarose gel. Results: Microdeletions of the Y-chromosomal AZF loci were revealed in 18(35.3%,18/51) of 51 patients with idiopathic azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia. AZFa deletion was found in four (7.8%) patients, AZF b in five (9.8%) patients, AZF c in four (7.8%) patients. AZF a+b in one(1.9%)patient, AZF b+c in two (3.9%) patients, AZF a+b+c in two (3.9%)patients respectively. No deletion of SRY region was found. No deletion of AZF a, AZF b, AZF c/DAZ,SRY regions was found in five fertile male who had at least one or more children. Conclusions: Microdeletions on AZF/DAZ gene loci were major genetics defects leading to azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia in male idiopathic infertility in Fujian. It is necessary to have genetic counseling and carry out microdeletion detection on AZF/DAZ gene loci before performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Y染色体微缺失检测试剂盒行业标准的建立

目的建立Y染色体微缺失检测试剂盒行业标准。方法选择9个厂家的Y染色体微缺失检测试剂盒,统一发放Y染色体微缺失检测参考品,按照拟定的行业标准,对外观、检测限、阳性参考品符合率、阴性参考品符合率和重复性项目进行验证。结果8个试剂盒的全部项目的检测结果均满足要求。检测限和阳性参考品符合率项目中,仅试剂盒8未检出AZFa微缺失,不满足要求。结论大部分验证结果均能满足拟定行标中的要求,表明行业标准各指标具有一定的合理性,可操作性强。Y染色体微缺失检测试剂盒行业标准的建立将有助于规范这类试剂盒发展,提升质量,并为监管提供技术支持。

22q11.2微缺失综合征的产前诊断回顾性研究

目的 回顾性分析52例22q11.2微缺失综合征(22q11.2deletion syndrome,22q11.2DS)胎儿孕期超声及遗传学特点,探讨22q11.2DS产前可能的影像学表型特征。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月至2022年12月在云南省第一人民医院进行孕中期(孕18~26周)产前诊断为22q11.2DS的52例胎儿孕期超声、染色体核型分型及拷贝数变异检测(copy number variation,CNV)结果及遗传学特点,统计分析并随访妊娠结局。结果 (1)胎儿超声:82.7%(43/52)有异常表现,最常见的是心脏异常(65.4%,34/52)其中12例合并心外异常(12/52);心脏异常最常见的是法洛四联症、右位主动脉弓、右锁骨下动脉迷走;心外系统异常23例(23/52)出现频率:NT增厚(9/52)、肾脏异常(7/52)、鼻骨发育不良(2/52)、头颅异常(2/52)、胸腺发育不良(3/52)、胃肠道(3/52)、肢体异常(2/52)、羊水多(1/52)。(2)胎儿染色体CNVs结果:46例(46/52)CNVs缺失片段位置在:LCR22A-D18850002150004经典缺失区域,大小在2.65~2.89Mb之间;胎儿表型外显不全、表现度不一致。(3)32例(32/52)亲代溯源检查,结果提示(27/52)新发突变,8例(6个家系)系母系遗传。(4)遗传咨询:45例(45/52)要求终止妊娠;继续妊娠的7例(7/52)中4例目前情况良好,1例(母系遗传)出生后5个月心脏手术治疗,1例拒绝随访,1例发病。结论 22q11.2DS胎儿大多有超声结构异常,主要涉及心脏结构异常,心外异常主要NT增厚及肾积水;有表型胎儿CNVs缺失片段主要在LCR22A-D经典缺失区域但表型外显不全,表现度差异大。

贵州苗族非梗阻性无精男性3例的Y染色体微缺失及致病候选基因

目的研究贵州苗族无精症男性的Y染色体微缺失和致病候选基因突变。方法本研究招募苗族非梗阻性无精症男性3人,使用目标区域捕获测序及全外显子测序,分析注释到相关基因区域,解析苗族无精症男性的Y染色体微缺失及致病候选位点。结果3例苗族非梗阻性无精症患者中未发现Y染色体微缺失位点。全外显子测序结果发现USP9Y、CFTR、ZMYND15、DNAH1的突变位点,可能是苗族非梗阻性无精症的候选致病突变。结论贵州苗族男性Y染色体微缺失阴性的非梗阻性无精症可能具有特异的基因致病突变位点,在男性不育研究及临床中应引起关注。

AMME chromosomal region gene 1基因变异矮小相关综合征一例及文献复习

目的探讨1例身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的病因,以提高临床医师对特殊矮小综合征的认识。方法收集1例身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的临床资料,对患儿及父母行基因检测,并给予患儿常规治疗、随访。结果结合患儿特殊面容及基因检测,诊断为AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征,结合文献复习总结AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征特点。结论AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征是一种罕见的X连锁遗传性疾病,临床主要表现为身材矮小、运动语言落后、肌张力减低、听力损失、面中部发育不全,部分存在心脏改变、腭裂、骨骼改变及椭圆形红细胞增多症、智力落后和肾钙质沉着症。该文报道1例AMMECR1基因新变异引起身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的病例资料,结合特殊面容及基因检测,诊断为AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征。AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征是一种罕见的X连锁遗传性疾病,本文初步概括其特点,并结合文献进行分析,以提高临床医师对AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征的诊治。

染色体微阵列分析技术对16p11.2综合征的诊断及遗传学分析

目的探索16p11.2微缺失/微重复综合征患者的临床症状和染色体微阵列技术(CMA)检测的遗传学变异。方法对2019年1月至2022年8月于宁波市妇女儿童医院就诊并接受CMA检测的16p11.2综合征患者的临床指征、遗传学结果、家系调查及妊娠结局进行描述性分析。结果发现22例患者(20例胎儿、2例患儿)的16p11.2核心区域拷贝数变异,16p11.2综合征的整体检出率为0.226%。其中8例胎儿超声异常(2例脊椎发育异常、1例泌尿系统异常、3例颈部透明层增厚、2例肠道回声增强),3例无创DNA结果异常,4例血清学筛查高风险,4例高龄妊娠。22例中10例行亲本验证,其中新发突变7例,遗传自母亲2例,遗传自父亲1例。另有1例胎儿核型异常,验证后遗传自母亲。20例胎儿中,9例活产分娩,1例诊断为先天性心脏病,语言发育迟缓,其余生长发育未见异常。2例患儿携带缺失片段,临床表现为全面性强直阵挛发作,其中1例合并生长发育迟缓。结论16p11.2综合征患者的骨骼、心脏、神经、泌尿系统以及语言发育异常,临床表型呈异质性与多样性,产前诊断仍需积累大量临床数据。

15例Xp22.3微缺失/微重复胎儿的临床诊断和分子遗传学分析

目的:探讨Xp22.3微缺失/微重复的基因型与临床表型的相关性。方法:对15例SNP-array检测结果为Xp22.3微缺失/微重复病例的分子遗传学特征、临床表型和随访信息进行回顾性分析。结果:15例Xp22.3微缺失/微重复胎儿中,8例为微缺失病例(8/15),片段大小165~5.1Mb,片段内基因包括SHOX、ARSE、STS、ANOS1、NLGN4X、GPR143等30个OMIM基因,其中SHOX、ARSE、STS、ANOS1为单倍剂量不足基因。7例(7/15)为微重复病例,片段大小为229~1.7Mb,片段内基因包括SHOX、ARSE、ANOS1、STS、NLGN4X、GPR143等23个OMIM编码基因,不含三倍剂量敏感基因。8例微缺失病例中7例诊断为致病性拷贝数变异(CNV),1例诊断为临床意义不明(VOUS);7例微重复病例均诊断为VOUS。15例胎儿中7例(7/15)超声发现异常特征,其中四肢短小3例(3/7),唇腭裂1例(1/7),心血管异常1例(1/7),侧脑室增宽1例(1/7),鼻骨缺如1例(1/7)。对12例病例进行了亲本来源验证,5例(5/12)为母源性遗传,3例为父源性遗传(3/12)。15病例中4例(4/15)微缺失选择终止妊娠,1例稽留流产,均为男性胎儿;10例(10/15)选择继续妊娠,除1例新生儿左耳听力受损外,其余随访均无异常。结论:Xp22.3微缺失因涉及SHOX、ARSE、STS、ANOS1等单倍剂量敏感基因,为致病性CNV,表现为生长发育迟缓、软骨发育不全等症状。Xp22.3微重复无三倍剂量敏感基因,定义为VOUS,胎儿妊娠结局良好。当SNP-array诊断为Xp22.3微缺失/微重复时,应对其基因组信息与临床表型相关性进行分析,为孕妇提供指导。