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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2/2016

Open Access 01-02-2016 | Review

Impact of sperm DNA chromatin in the clinic

Authors: Dimitrios Ioannou, David Miller, Darren K. Griffin, Helen G. Tempest

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 2/2016

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Abstract

The paternal contribution to fertilization and embryogenesis is frequently overlooked as the spermatozoon is often considered to be a silent vessel whose only function is to safely deliver the paternal genome to the maternal oocyte. In this article, we hope to demonstrate that this perception is far from the truth. Typically, infertile men have been unable to conceive naturally (or through regular IVF), and therefore, a perturbation of the genetic integrity of sperm heads in infertile males has been under-considered. The advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) however has led to very successful treatment of male factor infertility and subsequent widespread use in IVF clinics worldwide. Until recently, little concern has been raised about the genetic quality of sperm in ICSI patients or the impact genetic aberrations could have on fertility and embryogenesis. This review highlights the importance of chromatin packaging in the sperm nucleus as essential for the establishment and maintenance of a viable pregnancy.
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Metadata
Title
Impact of sperm DNA chromatin in the clinic
Authors
Dimitrios Ioannou
David Miller
Darren K. Griffin
Helen G. Tempest
Publication date
01-02-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-015-0624-x

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