Sperm Globozoospermia: Mechanism of formation and management

Abstract

Round-headed spermatozoa without acrosomes – globozoospermia is a rare and severe form of monomorphic teratozoospermia (less than 0.1% of male infertility). Studies have suggested mutations or deficiencies in genes are responsible for acrosome formation and binding in sperm. Until now, four genes have been identified as causes of globozoospermia, including genes involve in acrosome formation (SPATA16, PICK1) and genes involve in sperm nucleus-acrosome binding (DPY19L2, SPACA1). Especially, DPY19L2 is believed to be the main cause. The technique “Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection” (ICSI) combines with “Assisted Oocyte Activation” (AOA) has been shown to improve treatment results. However, the effect of the AOA technique on the quality of live birth has not been clarified and studies on the clinical outcome of globozoospermia are still limited. This review will help you learn more about the mechanism of globozoospermia spermatogenesis and the current approach to this case.