Klinefelter's syndrome

Cytogenetic and molecular study of 370 infertile men in South India highlighting the importance of copy number variations by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification

Male infertility is a common and severe problem affecting 7% of population. The main objective of this study is to identify the chromosomal abnormalities, Y microdeletions in infertile men and also to access the frequency of abnormal sperm count. Based on the sperm count and viability, the infertile men were grouped as Azoospermia, Asthenospermia, Oligospermia and the remaining as Idiopathic infertility. A total of 370 infertile men and 60 normal control men were recruited. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 3 men (3/370). The prevalence of Y microdeletions in the infertile group is 8/370 in the Azoospermia factor (AZF) region with four AZFc deletion/duplication, two AZFa deletion, one AZF b & AZFc deletion and one case of total AZF a, AZFb & AZFc deletion. However, only five cases of Y microdeletions were identified by Multiplex PCR but an additional three cases by MLPA (Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification). Fluorescence in situ hybridisation also confirmed the deletions. Here, we performed MLPA post-multiplex PCR, and our study revealed good yield of the Y microdeletion identification. The partial duplications which are difficult to be identified can now be easily identified by MLPA, and hence, we recommend MLPA as the choice of investigation compared to multiplex PCR for infertile men.

Do the presence of Barr bodies in male jail inmates indicates criminality: A pilot study

Background:

Cytogenetic studies from past decades have shown that interphase cells of female cats contain a densely stained chromatin mass in their nuclei called as Barr bodies (BBs) named after the scientist Murray Barr. BBs are unique chromatin structures formed due to the condensation of the X-chromosome. Many psychopathic disorders originate from defective genes including the multiple X syndromes. Males with extra X-chromosome generally present with severe personality disorder. The present study was conducted to determine the presence of extra X-chromosome in male jail inmates through the detection of BB in peripheral blood and buccal smear.

Materials and Methods:

Study included 100 male subjects (fifty jail inmates and fifty controls), after obtaining the consent, peripheral blood smears (PBS) and buccal smears (BS) were prepared and stained using Leishman's and cresyl violet stain respectively. One hundred neutrophils in PBS and epithelial cells in BS were screened for detection of the BB; accumulated data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using t-test and Chi-square test.

Results:

60% of cases in PBS and 36% in BS showed positivity for the presence of BB in jail inmates as compared to 14% of cases in PBS and none in BS were positive for BB in controls.

Conclusion:

Presence of BB in male suggests increased likelihood of criminal tendencies. Further studies are to be carried out to compare the results with karyotyping.

Eponyms in andrology

Andrology is the study of male reproductive health, its associated medicines, and biology, including functions and diseases that are specific to men, especially with regard to the reproductive organs. This concise report discusses the eponyms that are encountered in andrological literature.

Effect of arsenic contaminated drinking water on human chromosome: a case study

Arsenic contamination of ground water has become a serious problem all over the world. Large number of people from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal of India are suffering due to consumption of arsenic contaminated drinking water. Study was carried out on 30 individuals residing in Ballia District, UP where the maximum concentration of arsenic was observed around 0.37 ppm in drinking water. Blood samples were collected from them to find out the problem related with arsenic. Cytogenetic study of the blood samples indicates that out of 30, two persons developed Klinefelter syndrome.

Klinefelter syndrome diagnosed by prenatal screening tests in high-risk groups

PURPOSE

Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal disorder present in 1 out of 400 to 1,000 male newborns in Western populations. Two-thirds of affected newborns show a karyotype of 47,XXY. Few studies have examined the incidence of Klinefelter syndrome in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of Klinefelter syndrome by use of prenatal screening tests.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2001 to December 2010, 18,049 pregnant women who had undergone a chromosomal study for fetal anomalies were included. For fetuses that were diagnosed as having Klinefelter syndrome, the patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Both parents' ages, the reason for the chromosomal studies, and karyotypes were investigated.

RESULTS

We found that 22 of 18,049 (0.12%) fetuses were diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome. The incidence of this disorder in male fetuses was 22 of 9,387 (0.23%). Also, 19 of the newborns (86.4%) showed a karyotype of 47,XXY; the other newborns showed karyotypes of 48,XXY,+21; 48,XXY,+12[12]/46,XY[54]; and 47,XXY[6]/45,X[1]/46,XY[95]. The mean age of the mothers was 36.1 years, and 2 women had a past history of a Down syndrome pregnancy. Nine mothers had a normal spontaneous delivery, 9 mothers underwent artificial abortion, and 2 fetuses were spontaneously aborted.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of Klinefelter syndrome as reported in this study is higher than in previous studies. Further studies with a broader population should be considered to confirm these results.

Klinefelter syndrome presenting as behavioral problems in a young adult

BACKGROUND

An 18-year-old Somali man presented to a primary care clinic to investigate a potential pathophysiological reason for behavioral problems at school that had arisen in the past 1-2 years. A previous physical examination at school revealed the patient to have small, firm testicles which prompted further testing.

INVESTIGATION

Thyroid function and levels of prolactin, total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were determined. Testes were measured. Chromosome analysis testing was performed to determine the patient's karyotype.

DIAGNOSIS

Klinefelter syndrome with a 47,XXY karyotype.

MANAGEMENT

Testosterone replacement therapy was recommended, but the patient declined treatment.

Routine screening for classical azoospermia factor deletions of the Y chromosome in azoospermic patients with Klinefelter syndrome

AIM

To evaluate the occurrence of classical azoospermia factor (AZF) deletions of the Y chromosome as a routine examination in azoospermic subjects with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 95 azoospermic subjects with KS (91 subjects had a 47,XXY karyotype and four subjects had a mosaic 47,XXY/46,XY karyotype) and a control group of 93 fertile men. The values of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured. To determine the presence of Y chromosome microdeletions, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of five sequence-tagged site primers (sY84, sY129, sY134, sY254, sY255) spanning the AZF region, was performed on isolated genomic DNA.

RESULTS

Y chromosome microdeletions were not found in any of the 95 azoospermic subjects with KS. In addition, using similar conditions of PCR, no microdeletions were observed in the 93 fertile men evaluated. The level of FSH in KS subjects was higher than that in fertile men (38.2 +/- 10.3 mIU/mL vs. 5.4 +/- 2.9 mIU/mL, P < 0.001) and the testosterone level was lower than that in the control group (1.7 +/- 0.3 ng/mL vs. 4.3 +/- 1.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our data and review of the published literature suggest that classical AZF deletions might not play a role in predisposing genetic background for the phenotype of azoospermic KS subjects with a 47,XXY karyotype. In addition, routine screening for the classical AZF deletions might not be required for these subjects. Further studies including partial AZFc deletions (e.g. gr/gr or b2/b3) are necessary to establish other mechanism underlying severe spermatogenesis impairment in KS.

Severe arterial thrombophilia associated with a homozygous MTHFR gene mutation (A1298C) in a young man with Klinefelter syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome disorder in men. It may be associated with an increased risk for venous thrombosis and thromboembolism, which is partially explained by hypofibrinolysis due to androgen deficiency. Additional genetic or acquired thrombophilic states have been shown in KS patients complicated with venous thrombosis as isolated case reports. Arterial thrombotic events had not been previously reported in KS. In this study, a young man with KS who developed acute arterial thrombosis during testosterone replacement therapy is presented. He was homozygous for the A1298C mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene.

Anxiety of infertile men who undergo genetic testing for assisted reproductive treatment

PURPOSE

This descriptive study was conducted with the aim to determine the anxiety level of infertile men who undergo genetic testing for assisted reproductive treatment.

METHOD

Sample of the study included 60 individuals. Data was collected by interview through a data collection form and Spielberger's STAI Inventory.

RESULTS

It was identified that participants experienced psychological distress and anxiety before and after genetic testing. State anxiety scores of infertile men were found to be significantly higher than their trait anxiety scores (p < 0.001). About 98.3% of the participants had normal genetic test results, with only one person with Klinefelter's syndrome (XXY).

CONCLUSION

Anxiety due to genetic testing in infertile men who seek assisted reproductive treatment indicated the need for informative and psychologically supportive counseling.

Co-occurrence of birth defects and intellectual disability

This study used population-based databases to ascertain birth defects and intellectual disability (ID), defined as full IQ < 70, in children born in Western Australia during 1980-99. Of the children surviving to 1 year (n = 474 285), 4.9% had birth defects and 1.3% ID. ID was identified in 7.9% of children with birth defects. After adjusting for sex, mother's age, race, parity, plurality, birthweight and gestational age the prevalence ratio (PR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for ID in children with birth defects compared with those with no birth defects was 7.6 [7.2, 8.0]. Those with chromosomal anomalies comprised 3.2% of the group with birth defects. The percentage ID (and PR [95% CI]) in specific categories were: Down's syndrome 97% (84.5 [79.4, 90.0]), sex chromosome anomalies 30.3% (31.0 [23.8, 40.3]), other chromosomal anomalies 64.2% (54.2 [47.2, 62.3]). Birth defects were categorised according to system in the 96.8% of children with non-chromosomal anomalies. The percentage with ID (and PR [95% CI]) for birth defects in each system were: spina bifida 18.8 (16.7 [12.2, 23.0]); nervous (except spina bifida) 38.6 (33.4 [30.3, 36.9]); cardiovascular 4.2 (4.1 [3.5, 4.8]); gastro-intestinal 2.2 (2.0 [1.5, 2.7]); urogenital 2.6 (2.4 [2.0, 2.8]; musculo-skeletal 3.6 (4.0 [3.5, 4.6]); other non-chromosomal 7.0 (7.3 [6.5, 8.3]); and multiple systems 12.3 (10.2 [8.6, 12.2]). Birth defects were present in 30.2% of children with ID (27.7% of children with mild/moderate ID (IQ 40-69) and 54% of children with severe ID (IQ < 40)). Adjusted PRs for birth defects in children with any ID, mild/moderate ID and severe ID compared with children with normal intellectual function were 6.0 [5.8, 6.3], 5.5 [5.3, 5.8] and 10.5 [9.7, 11.4] respectively. The data are useful for those providing services for children with developmental disabilities especially for predicting family support and respite and accommodation requirements for children and adults with severe ID.

Puberty: timing is everything

When evaluating delayed puberty, it is essential to determine the underlying cause. This can be done with history and physical exam as well as basal gonadotropin levels, bone age, and further testing as indicated. When the cause is hypogonadism, an underlying condition should be treated if present; otherwise lifelong hormonal therapy is necessary. When constitutional delay is present, each case must be handled individually. Most patients can be reassured while some may require transient hormonal treatment for psychosocial reasons. Patients receiving hormonal therapy may require assistance from an endocrinologist and close monitoring.

Is there an influence of X-chromosomal imprinting on the phenotype in Klinefelter syndrome? A clinical and molecular genetic study of 61 cases

Studies on Turner syndrome suggested the presence of X-chromosomal-imprinted genes involved in social and verbal cognition. Imprinted genes on autosomes were shown to affect growth. Could imprinting of such genes on the X chromosome also influence psychomotor development and growth in men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), who have a supernumerary X? We recorded anthropometric and psychomotor development parameters for 61 males with KS (age range 2-56 years). In 54 cases, we were able to assess intelligence quotient (IQ) and found that impaired speech - and motor developmental problems were reported significantly more often in the paternal X - than in the maternal X group (P = 0.02). We found some significant (P < 0.05) increased body size parameters in the paternal X group, which concurs with data reporting a growth promoting influence of paternally derived genes. Our results suggest X-chromosomal imprinting occurs in males with KS.

Men with subnormal sperm counts live shorter lives

A lost less is known about the morbidity and mortality consequences of male infertility. It was the aim of our study to analyse the association between sperm concentration and individual lifetime mortality in men. The data sources included medical records of 601 men who attended the andrological service at the Marburg University Hospital between 1949 and 1985, and vital data gathered from public registration offices and a statutory health insurance. A Cox regression model estimated a two-fold higher mortality risk for oligozoospermic men as compared to the normozoospermic group for cohorts born between 1892 and 1931. Since a selection bias could not be found, we assume there to be a connection between poor fertility status and a shorter lifespan in men. Possible explanations for the variation in mortality risk are: (i) Lifestyle and health behaviour in adulthood, (ii) conditions in utero, and (iii) genetic dispositions.

Klinefelter's syndrome with seizure, pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib and multiple endocrine dysfunctions

Klinefelter's syndrome is rarely associated with hypocalcemia, especially pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type Ib. We describe a case of Klinefelter's syndrome associated with seizure, PHP type Ib and multiple endocrine dysfunctions. A 19-year-old Taiwanese male was admitted due to seizures with loss of consciousness. He had been diagnosed with Klinefelter's syndrome with seizure disorder and hypocalcemia 3 months previously. Physical examination revealed eunuchoidism but no osteodystrophy, while laboratory data revealed severe hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and elevated parathyroid hormone. Chromosomal study showed 47,XXY. Osteoporosis was found on chest and abdominal radiography. Dense calcification in the cerebrum and cerebellum was shown on brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Elevation of the patient's serum calcium level was noted after vitamin D and calcium carbonate supplements were given. Klinefelter's syndrome is rarely associated with PHP type Ib; our patient's hypocalcemia improved after long-term aggressive treatment.

Mosaic status in lymphocytes of infertile men with or without Klinefelter syndrome

BACKGROUND

Gonosomal aneuploidies such as Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) are the most frequent chromosomal aberration in infertile men. Normally the chromosomal status of patients is detected by karyotyping of up to 20 metaphase spreads of lymphocyte nuclei, whereby low grade mosaicism may be overlooked. To test whether Klinefelter patients with 47,XXY karyotype or infertile men with 46,XY karyotype represent gonosomal mosaicisms, we performed meta- and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on 45 men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 400 interphase and 40 metaphase lymphocyte nuclei per patient were scored after hybridization with DNA probes specific for chromosomes X and Y, and chromosome 9 as a control. On the basis of conventional karyotype, hormone levels and clinical appearance, patients were subdivided into 18 Klinefelter syndrome patients with 47,XXY (group I), 11 Klinefelter syndrome-like patients with normal karyotype, 46,XY (group II) and six non-Klinefelter-like infertile patients with normal 46,XY karyotype (group III). Ten normal men (group IV) served as controls. Testicular volume in the Klinefelter group I was smaller compared with group II (P = 0.016), group III (P < 0.001) and group IV (P < 0.001). In addition, testicular volumes in group II were lower compared with group III and group IV (P < 0.004). No significant differences between the aneuploidy rate analysed by FISH in interphase nuclei and metaphases were found in either single patients or groups. Patients with Klinefelter syndrome, 47,XXY (group I) or with symptoms similar to those in Klinefelter patients 46,XY (group II) showed a similar aneuploidy rate (group I 7.1 +/- 4.0% and group II 4.6 +/- 3.4%) and two 47,XXY patients with a high prevalence for normal 46,XY lymphocytes had sperm in their ejaculate. However, in general, no correlations between FISH mosaic status and serum hormone parameters, nor with ejaculate parameters were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that 47,XXY patients with an increased incidence of XY cells (average of 4.2 +/- 2.3) may have a higher probability of germ cells as we found sperm only in the ejaculate of Klinefelter syndrome patients with mosaic 46,XY cells (6.0 and 7.0%). On the other hand, 46,XY patients with mosaic sex chromosome aneuploidies detected by FISH analysis more often show symptoms of hypogonadism phenotypically resembling Klinefelter syndrome.

Prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in 2078 infertile couples referred for assisted reproductive techniques

BACKGROUND

This study analyses the prevalence of karyotype changes and Yq11 microdeletions among couples referred for assisted reproduction techniques.

METHODS

Prior to receiving either IVF or ICSI treatment, each partner of 2078 infertile couples was screened for karyotype changes by GTG-banding technique on peripheral lymphocytes. No subject presented with obvious phenotype of chromosomal rearrangement. All the oligo/azoospermic men with normal karyotype were further investigated by PCR for Yq11 microdeletions.

RESULTS

Eighty-two out of 2078 couples (3.95%) had one partner carrying a chromosomal change, and 10 out of 202 (4.95%) men showed Yq11 microdeletions. The chromosomal rearrangements were 44 (2.1%) translocations, 23 (1.1%) gonosomal mosaics, six (0.3%) 47,XXY, five (0.24%) marker chromosomes, three (0.14%) inversions and one (0.05%) duplication. Frequency of anomalies in men and women were similar: 42 and 40 cases respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Partners of infertile couples requiring IVF or ICSI treatment appear to be affected by higher frequency of chromosomal rearrangements than the general population. Categories with greater risk were represented by men with sperm cell count <20 x 10(6) sperm/ml, and women with history of pregnancy loss.

Male hypogonadism in the primary care clinic

Hypogonadism is common in clinical practice but is frequently unrecognized and underdiagnosed. The common causes of male hypogonadism vary with the age of presentation. The overall prevalence of male hypogonadism based upon low serum total testosterone levels is high and increases with age. There are many pitfalls in making the diagnosis of male hypogonadism. First, male hypogonadism is sometimes difficult to recognize because the signs and symptoms are often nonspecific and overlap with other common syndromes. Second, the biochemical diagnosis of male hypogonadism is not straightforward because it might not be clear which testosterone assay to select from the many that are available. Finally, even after the diagnosis of male hypogonadism is made, the patient and clinician must weigh the potential benefits and risks of androgen replacement therapy. However, new diagnostic tools and therapies are making decisions easier.

George Washington's infertility: why was the father of our country never a father?

George Washington was the single most important figure in the founding of the United States of America. Numerous biographies of Washington have been written and his name is honored in countless ways, including as the name of the United States' capital. Washington has become so idealized in U.S. consciousness that it is easy to lose sight of his failings and disappointments. Undoubtedly, one of his most personal sorrows was his inability to have a child with his wife Martha. As the historian W.S. Randall puts it, "He was content with Martha, but mystified why, year after year, he and Martha could produce no Washington heir." In this article, George and Martha Washington's inability to have children is discussed, and it is suggested that George was the likely source of the couple's infertility. The author also speculates as to the cause of Washington's infertility and its effect on the course of American history. Frank discussion of Washington's infertility might provide some comfort to men struggling with infertility today.