Globozoospermia

There are two types of globozoospermia: • Type 1 globozoospermia exhibits a complete lack of acrosome and acrosomal enzymes and spherical arrangement of the chromatin. • The sperm in Type 2 globozoospermia has some acrosomal covering surrounded by large droplets of cytoplasmic material, suggesting secondary degenerative changes. There is also a conical nucleus. It is thought that infertility in this type of globozoospermia is due to incorrect chromatin packaging which prevents proper fertilization. == Symptoms ==

Aside from the effect on fertility globozoospermia is symptomless. People with globozoospermia have normal physical and mental development, normal clinical features and normal hormonal profile. == Genetics ==

Table 1: Gene mutations that have been identified in globozoospermia and the impact these mutations have on sperm function and successful fertilization. == Diagnosis==

The presence of round headed sperm in a semen analysis sample confirms the diagnosis of globozoospermia. The lack of acrosome can be ascertained by either morphology staining or immunofluorescence. ==Treatment==

Until 1995, the only options for people with globozoospermia who wished to conceive were adoption or sperm donation. With the advancement of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) it is now possible for those with globozoospermia to conceive using their own sperm. The main technique used is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) where fertilisation is achieved by a single sperm being injected into the egg. Some studies have shown it is possible for a viable embryo to be created with this technique alone, however others have found it necessary to also use calcium ionophore treatment for fertilisation to be successful. Calcium ionophore treatment is used to artificially activate the oocyte. This treatment may be necessary as globozoospermic sperm can be less likely to activate the oocyte, an important stage in fertilisation. The treatment options currently available focus on overcoming the prognosis of infertility which is associated with globozoospermia. So far there are no treatment options to prevent or cure globozoospermia. == Research ==

Research into globozoospermia is aimed at improving understanding of its cause and developing treatment options. Hrb and Csnka2. There are thousands of genes which guide the process of spermatogenesis, and knowing how they're involved in globozoospermia is an important current area of research. However, fertility rates with this approach are still low, and research is ongoing into how this can be improved. is more likely to result in conception than ICSI alone. Another promising treatment area also looks at causing oocyte activation in conjunction with ICSI, this time using spermatic binding-proteins, phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and postacrosomal sheath WW domain binding protein (PAWP). == References ==