Study of Synapsis and Recombination in Male Meiosis and the Implications in Infertility

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study was to assess meiotic recombination in primary spermatocytes, synaptonemal complex length and the correlation with chromosomal abnormalities in testicular spermatozoa from infertile men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).

Detailed Description
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During the first meiotic division in spermatogenesis there are two critical events. First, synapsis between homologous chromosomes and formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC), which regulates sister chromatid cohesion and provides the template for localization of recombination machinery proteins. Secondly, recombination between homologous chromosomes, which is essential for the correct segregation. Errors during these two processes may induce incorrect segregation of chromosomes and are a major cause of gamete aneuploidy. The aim of this study was to assess meiotic recombination in primary spermatocytes, synaptonemal complex length and the correlation with chromosomal abnormalities in testicular spermatozoa from infertile men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Prospective cohort study to assess meiotic progression, total length of SC, frequency of recombination and sperm aneuploidy in samples obtained from testicular biopsies from NOA patients. The study group was compared with a control group from post-vasectomized (OA) patients. Immunocytogenetics with SCYP3, CREST and MLH1 antibodies for meiotic progression, SC length, and recombination. Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) for chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 13, 16, 18, 21, 22 in primary spermatocytes and chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, Y on sperm. MicroMeasure 3.3 program was used for SC length.

Official Title
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Study of Synapsis and Recombination in Male Meiosis and the Implications in Infertility

Conditions
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Abnormal Spermatogenesis, Azoospermia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: non interventional


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: NOA patients undergoing ICSI with testicular sperm OA post-vasectomized patients undergoing ICSI with testicular sperm Exclusion Criteria: Abnormal Karyotype
Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| NOA<br>Infertile males with non obstructive azoospermia | Other: non interventional<br> <br> |
| OA<br>Post-vasectomized patients with proven fertility before vasectomy | Other: non interventional<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Meiotic recombination | Number of MLH1 foci in pachytene cells | once | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sperm aneuploidy | Percentage of sperm with aneuploidies | once | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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sperm aneuploidy, recombination, meiosis, synapsis