Microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) syndrome evaluated by prenatal karyotyping, FISH and array comparative genomic hybridization

OBJECTIVE: To explore the utility of comparative genomic hybridization to BAC arrays (array CGH) for prenatal diagnosis of microphthalmia and linear skin defects syndrome. METHODS: We used karyotype analysis, FISH and array CGH to investigate an X;Y translocation. Replication studies were done on cultured amniocytes and lymphoblasts. RESULTS: We describe a severe case of MLS syndrome that presented prenatally with multiple anomalies including cystic hygroma, microphthalmia, intrauterine growth restriction and a complex congenital heart defect. Cytogenetic analysis of amniocytes revealed an unbalanced de novo translocation between chromosomes X and Y [karyotype 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22.3;q11.2).ish der(X)(DXZ1+,DMD+,KAL-,STS-,SRY-),22q11.2 (Tuple1 x 2)]. MLS diagnosis was made at birth and the prenatal karyotype was confirmed. Replication studies showed the derivative X chromosome was the inactive X. Array CGH confirmed the X and Y imbalances seen in the karyotype and also showed twelve BACs in the MLS region were deleted as a result of the translocation. FISH with BAC clones verified the array findings and placed the X breakpoint in Xp22.2, resulting in the amended karyotype, 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22.2;q11.2).ish der(X)(DXZ1+,DMD+,KAL-,STS-,SRY-),22q11.2(Tuple1 x 2) arr cgh Xp22.33p22.2(LLNOYCO3M15D10 -->GS1-590J6)x 1,Yq11.222q23(RP11-20H21-->RP11-79J10)x 1. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of array CGH was valuable in detecting monosomy of the MLS critical region. Array CGH should be considered for the prenatal diagnosis of this syndrome.     

High-level mosaicism for 45,X in 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2) at amniocentesis in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome and postnatal progressive decrease of the 45,X cell line

ObjectiveWe present prenatal diagnosis of high-level mosaicism for 45,X in 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2) at amniocentesis in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome and postnatal progressive decrease of the 45,X cell line.Case reportA 36-year-old, gravida 4, para 3, woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 45,X[22]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[4]. Prenatal ultrasound was unremarkable, and the fetus had normal male external genitalia. Repeat amniocentesis was performed at 20 weeks of gestation, and the second amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 45,X[24]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[3]. Simultaneous interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed that 60% (62/103 cells) were Y-deleted cells. After genetic counseling, the parents decided to continue the pregnancy, and a 3020-g male baby was delivered with a body length of 52 cm, normal male genital organs and no phenotypic abnormalities. The karyotypes of cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta were 45,X[20]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[20], 45,X[31]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[9] and 45,X[40], respectively. At age one month, FISH analysis on urinary cells and buccal mucosal cells revealed 11.5% (7/61 cells) and 13.6% (16/118 cells), respectively for mosaicism for the Y-deleted cells. At age five month, the karyotype of peripheral blood was 45,X[9]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[31]. FISH analysis on buccal mucosal cells showed no abnormal Y-deleted cell (0/101 cells). At age 11 month, the karyotype of peripheral blood was 45,X[5]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[35]. FISH analysis on 102 buccal mucosal cells showed no abnormal signals. The infant was doing well with normal physical and psychomotor development.ConclusionHigh-level mosaicism for 45,X in 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2) at amniocentesis can be associated with a favorable outcome and progressive decrease of the 45,X cell line.     

A comparative genomic hybridization study in a 46,XX male

OBJECTIVE: To identify Y chromosome material in an azoospermic male with an XX karyotype.DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Faculty of medicine and Centro de Patologia Celular (CPC) medical center. PATIENT(S): A 33-year-old man with infertility. INTERVENTION(S): G-banding, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): FISH for X and Y chromosomes, PCR for the SRYgene and amelogenin gene in the Xp (AMGX) and (AMGY), and losses or gains with CGH. RESULT(S): FISH analysis using X and Y chromosome-specific probes showed an X chromosome containing Y chromosome sequences on the top of the short arm; this Y chromosome region was not visible by conventional cytogenetic analysis. PCR amplification of DNA showed the presence of the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (SRY) and the amelogenin gene in the pseudoautosomal boundary of the X chromosome (AMGX). CGH confirmed the presence of the chromosome region Yp11.2-pter and detected the presence of the two otherwise normal X chromosomes. CONCLUSION(S): The two Xpter (XPAR1) pseudoautosomal regions present in this XX male suggest the need to reevaluate XX males using CGH and PCR to characterize the clinical variability in XX males due to genes other than those located on the Y chromosome.     

1例嵌合型45,X/46,X,r(Y)患者的遗传学分析

目的:应用细胞遗传学和分子生物学技术分析1例嵌合型45,X/46,X,r(Y)患者的核型。方法:应用常规染色体标本制备方法进行G-显带和C-显带;并应用CEPX(DXZ1,Xp11.1-q11.1,Spectrum Green,Vysis)探针、LSI SRY(Yp11.3,Spectrum Orange,Vysis)探针和CEP18(D18Z1,18p11.1-q11.1,Spectrum Aqua,Vysis)与患者的中期分裂相进行荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization,FISH);同时应用PCR技术对患者进行Y染色体微缺失检测。结果:结合G-显带、C-显带、FISH检测结果和Y染色体微缺失的检测结果,确定该患者核型为46,X,r(Y)(p11.3q12)[85]/45,X[15]。Yq11区生精基因微缺失检测未显示该患者存在缺失。结论:细胞遗传学检测结合FISH可以诊断复杂的染色体异常,为患者提供正确的遗传咨询和生育指导。     

Y染色体长臂缺失及不分离不育男性1例报道

目的:报道1例Y染色体长臂缺失合并不分离的男性无精子症患者。方法:常规染色体核型分析,荧光原位杂交以确定核型。PCR-STSs检测以确定Y染色体断裂点,并行睾丸活检。结果:细胞遗传学和FISH证实患者为嵌合体,核型为45,X/46,X,del(Y)/47,X,del(Y)del(Y)。分别占27%,68%,5%。C带显示患者Yq12全部丢失。PCR-STSs检测AZFa存在,AZFb和AZFc区域全部丢失,断裂点位于sY88和sY95之间及sY88以下。睾丸病理显示精曲小管中只有支持细胞,没有生精细胞。未见卵巢组织。结论:患者无精子症、睾丸体积小与病理结果一致,其原因是由于Yq11.2的缺失。     

Karyotype determination and reproductive guidance for short stature women with a hidden Y chromosome fragment

Two unrelated couples came to the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya to ask for reproductive guidance. One couple had an affected son and the other couple had secondary infertility. Conventional GTG banding showed that the women in both couples had a 46,X,add(X)(p22) karyotype. Further molecular cytogenetic studies showed that both women had a 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22;q11.2) karyotype and that the affected boy had inherited the derivative X chromosome, which resulted in an Xp contiguous gene syndrome. After an assessment of reproductive risk, the first couple conceived naturally and opted for prenatal diagnosis (PND) by amniocentesis. No abnormal karyotypes were found for the twin pregnancy and healthy twin girls were born after a full-term normal pregnancy. The second couple chose to undergo IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Two PGD cycles were performed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. In the first PGD cycle, all three embryos had abnormal hybridization signals. In the second cycle, a male embryo with normal hybridization signals was transferred into the womb and a normal pregnancy was achieved. The results show the importance of detecting the derivative chromosome followed by PND or PGD if a woman carries an Xp;Yq translocation.Two unrelated couples came to our clinic to ask for reproductive guidance. The first couple had an affected son. Conventional GTG banding showed the woman carried a derivative metacentric X chromosome. Further molecular cytogenetic study identified this derivative X chromosome originated from a cryptic translocation between Xp and Yq and the karyotype of the woman was determined as 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22;q11.2), and the affected boy had inherited the derivative X chromosome, which resulted in an Xp contiguous gene syndrome. After assessment of reproductive risk, the couple conceived naturally. Prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis showed a normal karyotype for the twin pregnancy and healthy twin girls were born at full term. The other couple was affected by secondary infertility. They chose to undergo IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Two PGD cycles was performed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. In the second cycle, a male embryo with normal hybridization signals was transferred to the womb and a normal pregnancy was achieved. We emphasize the importance of identifying the hidden Y chromosome fragment to avoid the delivery of unbalanced offspring among women with a normal phenotype apart from short stature. This is the first report of the application of PGD for this unbalanced translocation 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22;q11.2).     

Prenatal diagnosis of mos46,X,del(Y)(q11.2)/45,X by cytogenetic and molecular studies with multiplex STR analysis

OBJECTIVES: To present the prenatal diagnosis of a fetus of mos46,X,del(Y)(q11.2)/45,X by cytogenetic and molecular analysis. CASE AND METHODS: A 35-year-old pregnant woman came to our hospital for amniocentesis, and fetal chromosomal aberrations with mos46,X, + mar/45,X were found. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed the existence of a Y centromere on the marker chromosome. Analysis with six pairs of short tandem repeat markers showed that the genomic DNA extracted from the uncultured amniotic fluid cells contained a deletion of Yq11.1-Yq11.2. Spermatogenesis loci of the Y chromosome were studied using four sets of multiplex PCR. The proximal two markers DYS271 and KALY were present and the other 16 distal markers were deleted. No deletion was noted in the Y chromosome of the father. RESULTS: Cytogenetic and molecular analyses revealed deletions of AZFb, d, and c regions on Yq11.2-Yqter in the fetal Y chromosome. Postmortem examination of the fetus showed a grossly normal male fetus with normal external genitalia and testes. CONCLUSION: The present report demonstrates that molecular analysis using polymorphic microsatellite markers and multiplex PCR is a useful complement to cytogenetic methods for the identification and the characterization of Y-chromosomal deletions.     

Delineation of an isodicentric Y chromosome in a mosaic 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(qter-p11.3::p11.3-qter) fetus by SRY sequencing, G-banding, FISH, SKY and study of distribution in different tissues.

Many factors such as genetic, developmental and hormonal are involved in mammalian sex determination. The relative importance and the mutual interactions among those factors are obscure. Study of cytogenetic mosaicism involving sex chromosomes may help to further unravel the mysterious process. We report a fetus with a mosaic karyotype, 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(qter-p11.3::p11.3-qter), with unambiguous male external genitalia and a defect in the interventricular septum of the heart. Genotype of this fetus was extensively studied by technologies including sequencing of SRY (sex-determining region on the Y chromosome) gene, G-banding, FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) and SKY (spectral karyotyping). A markedly higher percentage of Y-containing cells was observed in the gonads (55%) than in the amniotic fluid (17%) and placental villi (11%), which was considered to be the major reason why the fetus did not have ambiguous genitalia.     

Prenatal diagnosis of mosaic ring chromosome 22 associated with cardiovascular abnormalities and intrauterine growth restriction

OBJECTIVES: To present the prenatal diagnosis and perinatal findings of mosaic ring chromosome 22. CASE: Amniocentesis was performed at 18 gestational weeks because of an advanced maternal age. Cytogenetic analysis of the cultured amniotic fluid cells revealed mosaicism for ring chromosome 22, 45,XX,-22[6]/46,XX,r(22)(p13q13.31)[15]. Abnormal fetal sonographic findings included small for gestational age, a ventricular septal defect, and truncus arteriosus. The pregnancy was terminated. Additional phenotypic findings included hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, and abnormal ears. Cytogenetic analysis of the cord blood lymphocytes revealed a complex mosaic karyotype, 45,XX,-22[7]/46,XX,r(22)(p13q13.31)[82]/46,XX,idic r(22)(p13q13.31;p13q13.31)[11]. Cytogenetic analysis of the hepatocytes also revealed mosaic r(22) with mosaicism for idic r(22) and monosomy 22. The deletion of distal 22q and the duplication of 22q11.2 on idic r(22), and the distal 22q deletion on r(22) were demonstrated by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using 22q terminal probes at 22q13 and a DiGeorge syndrome critical region probe at 22q11.2. The breakpoint on distal 22q13 and the extent of the duplication of 22q on idic r(22) was determined by examining polymorphic markers specific for chromosome 22 using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction assays. The chromosomal aberration was of maternal origin. CONCLUSION: Molecular and FISH studies allow a better delineation of some prenatally detected aneuploidy syndromes and help elucidate the genetic pathogenesis. Fetuses having mosaic r(22) with a low level mosaicism for r(22) duplication/deletion may present cardiovascular abnormalities and intrauterine growth restriction on prenatal ultrasound.     

De novo monosomy 9p24.3-pter and trisomy 17q24.3-qter characterised by microarray comparative genomic hybridisation in a fetus with an increased nuchal translucency

OBJECTIVES: Increased nuchal translucency (NT) during the first trimester of pregnancy is a useful marker to detect chromosomal abnormalities. Here, we report a prenatal case with molecular cytogenetic characterisation of an abnormal derivative chromosome 9 identified through NT. METHODS: Amniocentesis was performed because of an increased NT (4.4 mm) and showed an abnormal de novo 46,XX,add(9)(p24.3) karyotype. To characterise the origin of the small additional material on 9p, we performed a microarray comparative genomic hybridisation (microarray CGH) using a genomic DNA array providing an average of 1 Mb resolution. RESULTS: Microarray CGH showed a deletion of distal 9p and a trisomy of distal 17q. These results were confirmed by FISH analyses. Microarray CGH provided accurate information on the breakpoint regions and the size of both distal 9p deletion and distal 17q trisomy. The fetus was therefore a carrier of a de novo derivative chromosome 9 arising from a t(9;17)(p24.3;q24.3) translocation and generating a monosomy 9p24.3-pter and a trisomy 17q24.3-qter. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that microarray CGH is a rapid, powerful and sensitive technology to identify small de novo unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities and can be applied in prenatal diagnosis.     

Sonographic genital ambiguity in a fetus due to a mosaic 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(qter-p11.32::p11.32-qter) karyotype

Nowadays, improved ultrasound techniques enable the detection of more subtle congenital abnormalities at an earlier stage of fetal development. Current cytogenetic techniques can characterize a chromosomal abnormality in greater detail. These advancements in both diagnostic possibilities have helped to answer many questions but have also created new issues and dilemmas in counselling. This is illustrated by this case report of a 35-year-old woman, who presented at the end of the second trimester of her first pregnancy. Sonographic examination indicated an abnormal external genital in a male fetus. A differential diagnosis of hypospadia was made. During follow-up, an amniocentesis was performed, and this showed a 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(qter-p11.32::p11.32-qter) karyotype as the cause of the sonographic findings. Cytogenetic characterization of the isodicentric Y chromosome and pre- and post-natal findings in the child are reported. Cases with a similar karyotype reported in the literature are reviewed.     

Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic analysis of partial monosomy 10q (10q25.3-->qter) and partial trisomy 18q (18q23-->qter) in a fetus associated with cystic hygroma and ambiguous genitalia

OBJECTIVES: To present the prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic analysis of a fetus with nuchal cystic hygroma and ambiguous genitalia. CASE AND METHODS: Amniocentesis was performed at 16 weeks' gestation because of the abnormal fetal sonographic finding of a large septated nuchal cystic hygroma. Genetic amniocentesis revealed a terminal deletion in the long arm of chromosome 10. The paternal karyotype was subsequently found to be 46,XY,t(10;18)(q25.3;q23). The maternal karyotype was normal. The pregnancy was terminated. A hydropic fetus was delivered with a septated nuchal cystic hygroma and ambiguous genitalia. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and polymorphic DNA markers were used to investigate the involved chromosomal segments. RESULTS: FISH study showed absence of the 10q telomeric probe and presence of the 18q telomeric probe in the derivative chromosome 10. Microarray-based CGH analysis showed loss of distal 10q and gain of distal 18q. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis determined the breakpoints. The fetal karyotype was 46,XY,der(10)t(10;18)(q25.3;q23)pat. The chromosome aberration resulted in partial monosomy 10q (10q25.3-->qter) and partial trisomy 18q (18q23-->qter). CONCLUSIONS: The present case provides evidence that partial monosomy 10q (10q25.3-->qter) with partial trisomy 18q (18q23-->qter) can be a genetic cause of fetal cystic hygroma and ambiguous genitalia. Cytogenetic analysis for prenatally detected structural abnormalities may detect unexpected inherited chromosome aberrations.     

Clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular analysis with 46,XX male sex reversal syndrome: case reports

Purpose

To investigate the clinical characteristics of different categories of sex-reversed 46,XX individuals and their relationships with chromosomal karyotype and the SRY gene.

Methods

Chromosome karyotyping for peripheral blood culture and multi-PCR and FISH were performed.

Results

Endocrinological data showed that their endocrine hormone levels were similar to that observed for Klinefelter syndrome, with higher FSH and LH levels and lower T levels. Chromosome karyotyping for peripheral blood culture revealed 46, XX complement for 11 males. Molecular studies showed that there were locus deletions at SY84, SY86, SY127, SY134, SY254 and SY255 in AZF on chromosome Y in 9 cases, with the SRY gene present at the terminus of the X chromosome short arm. In one case, besides 6 locus deletions in AZF, there was also SRY gene deletion. In another case, there were locus deletions only at SY254 and SY255, with SY84, SY86, SY127 SY134 loci and SRY present.

Conclusions

The majority (10/11) of 46,XX males were SRY positive, with the SRY gene translocated into the terminus of the X chromosome short arm. These patients were caused mainly by an X/Y chromosomal inter-change during paternal meiosis, leading to the differentiation of primary gonads into testes. Only a single patient (1/11) was SRY-negative, in which there might be some unknown downstream genes involved in sex determination.     

Prenatal diagnosis of two rare de novo structural aberrations of the Y chromosome: cytogenetic and molecular analysis.

Two rare de novo structural aberrations of the Y chromosome were detected during routine prenatal diagnosis: a satellited non-fluorescent Y chromosome (Yqs), the first de novo Yqs to be reported in a fetus, and a terminal deletion of the Y chromosome long arm del(Y)(q11). In both cases detailed cytogenetic and molecular analyses were undertaken. In the case of the Yqs it was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) that the satellites were derived from chromosome 15. In the case of the del(Yq), it was shown with molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of sequence-tagged sites (STS-PCR) that the deleted portion of the long arm of chromosome Y included the azoospermia factor loci, AZFb and AZFc. The clinical significance of these findings is discussed.     

Hypoplastic external genitalia in association with X;autosome chromosome translocation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To learn the relationship between X;autosome chromosome translocation and hypoplastic external genitalia. BACKGROUND: An X;autosome translocation usually presents with phenotypic features similar to Turner syndrome. PARTICIPANTS: We present three female siblings and their mother with X;autosome translocation and hypoplastic external genitalia. METHODS: Case presentation. RESULTS: Three female siblings, ages 14, 16, and 18 years, presented for routine checkup. All had been seen in the past for short stature, learning disability, and other features similar to those seen in Turner syndrome. At time of presentation, all three had primary amenorrhea. On genital exam, each was found to have hypoplastic external genitalia with absent clitoris and labia minora. Pelvic ultrasound in all subjects showed normal but prepubertal uterus and ovaries. Two subjects have unbalanced translocations with karyotype 46,X,der(9)t(9;X)(q11.2;q22.3). This abnormal chromosome complement results in the loss of the short arm of the X chromosome and the gain of an extra copy of the long arm of chromosome 9. The third subject and her mother have balanced translocations with the karyotype 46,X,t(9;X)(q11.2;q22.3). X-inactivation studies showed skewed inactivation of the normal X chromosome in the balanced translocation carriers, while the two girls with the unbalanced karyotype had skewed inactivation of the translocation product. All subjects have growth hormone deficiency. The oldest sibling was able to menstruate regularly after estrogen/progesterone therapy. The other two patients are currently receiving growth hormone and are gaining height. CONCLUSION: X;autosome translocations may be associated with hypoplastic external genitalia but normal internal genitalia. Balanced carriers can be fertile. To our knowledge, the presence of hypoplastic external genitalia in association with X;autosome translocation has not been previously reported. This should be added to the possible causes of hypoplastic external genitalia.     

Duplication of distal 20q: clinical, cytogenetic and array CGH. Characterization of a new case

Trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 20 is rare. We describe an 18-month-old male who was born at 36 weeks via Caesarian section after an uneventful pregnancy. During the newborn period he was found to have a right-sided cleft lip and cleft palate, hypertelorism, strabismus and mildly over-folded ears with cupping. Cardiovascular examination was consistent with the diagnosis of severe aortic coarctation, which was confirmed by echocardiogram. Additionally, hypothyroidism was diagnosed. Neurological evaluation at 18 months revealed a hypotonic infant with delayed acquisition of motor milestones. Cytogenetic analysis showed additional material on the long arm of chromosome 20, confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis as being of chromosome 20 origin. Because of the indistinct GTG-banding pattern it was not possible to distinguish between a proximal [dup(20)(q11.2q13.1)] or distal duplication [dup(20)(q13.1q13.3)]. To further define the duplication we used array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) which demonstrated a 7.8 Mb interstitial duplication in distal 20q. Thus, the proband's karyotype was interpreted as 46,XY,dup(20)(q13.2q13.2). The proband is the first reported case of a pure duplication of this region. This case further highlights the utility of array CGH in characterizing aneusomies and, in particular, for accurate breakpoint designation and quantitation of ambiguous rearrangements.     

Prenatal diagnosis of a familial Y long-arm and chromosome 15 short-arm translocation inherited from a mother carrier

ObjectiveWe present prenatal diagnosis of a familial Y long-arm and chromosome 15 short-arm translocation inherited from a mother carrier.Case ReportA 34-year-old primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 20 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a derived chromosome 15 or 15p+ with an additional material on the short arm of chromosome 15. Cytogenetic analysis of the parents revealed that the phenotypically normal mother carried the same 15p+ variant, and the father had a karyotype of 46,XY. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from cultured amniocytes revealed no genomic imbalance. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis using the DNAs extracted from cultured amniocytes and parental bloods excluded uniparental disomy (UPD) 15. C-banded preparations and metaphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using a Yq12-specific probe showed a positive stain on the 15p+, indicating the origin of Yq on the short arm of the derivative chromosome 15. The karyotype of amniocentesis was 46,XX,der(15)t(Y;15)(q12;p13)mat. The mother had a karyotype of 46,XX,der(15) t(Y;15)(q12;p13). At 39 weeks of gestation, a 3006-g healthy female baby was delivered with no phenotypic abnormality. During follow-up at age six months, she manifested normal physical and psychomotor development.ConclusionPrenatal diagnosis of a 15p+ variant should include a differential diagnosis of genomic imbalance and UPD 15, and aCGH and polymorphic DNA marker analyses are useful under such a circumstance.     

A normal birth following preimplantation genetic diagnosis by FISH determination in the carriers of der(15)t(Y;15)(Yq12;15p11) translocations: two case reports

Purpose To investigate the clinical application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for assessing chromosome disorders of embryos in preimplantation diagnosis of carriers with der(15)t(Y;15)(q12;p11) translocations. Methods Multicolor FISH was performed using directly-labelled DNA probes, chromosome X with one (DXZ1, Xp11.1-q11.1), but Y with two (DYZ3, Yp11.1-q11.1 and DYZ1, Yq12). Normal embryos were transferred on day 6 at blastocyst stage. Results Couple A: Three of 6 biopsied embryos were normal. Two normal blastocysts were transferred, but no pregnancy was achieved. Couple B: Three of 6 biopsied embryos were normal. Two normal blastocysts were transferred. A normal male infant weighing 3,230 g was born by cesarean section on the 39th week of gestation. All of the remaining nonreplaced embryos showed mosaic or der(15). Conclusion Embryos from carries of der(15)t(Y;15)(q12;p11) translocation showed a high frequency of chromosome abnormalities. PGD is a valuable screen tool for those couples to treat their infertility and break the transmission of der(15) chromosome for their offspring.     

Microarray detection of Y chromosome deletions associated with male infertility

Array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) has emerged as a powerful new molecular tool for the high-resolution analysis of copy-number variation and breakpoint analysis. In this study, array-CGH was used to analyse known Yq deletions associated with male infertility. A microarray platform encompassing probes for chromosomes 13, 14, 21, X and Y was developed in-house and was used to detect different Yq deletion types. The successful application of this array for the detection of Yq deletions involving either the AZFb or AZFc region was demonstrated. Partial and complete AZF deletions were correctly detected in 13 patients with Yq deletions previously identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This study demonstrates that array-CGH may be an alternative approach to multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of known Yq deletions and potentially a useful tool for the discovery of other Y chromosome deletions/polymorphisms associated with defective spermatogenesis.     

Molecular and cytogenetic characterization of a structural rearrangement of the Y chromosome in an azoospermic man

OBJECTIVE: To better define an abnormal karyotype found in a male with primary infertility. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Molecular and cytogenetics unit in a university-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S): A 41-year-old, azoospermic, but otherwise healthy male. INTERVENTION(S): Lymphocytic karyotype and genetic counseling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Metaphases were studied by standard G- and Q-banding, followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction to analyze specific Y chromosome regions. RESULT(S): Chromosomal analysis and FISH allowed us to define the propositus's karyotype as 45,X/46,X,idic(Yp)/46,XY (71%, 26%, and 3% of analyzed metaphases, respectively). Molecular analysis of azoospermic factor (AZF) regions showed deletion of AZFb and AZFc. CONCLUSION(S): A 45,X/46,X,idic(Yp) mosaicism is associated with a very broad spectrum of phenotypes, including patients with Ullrich-Turner syndrome, patients with various degrees of genital ambiguity, or normal males. In the presence of a normal masculinization in otherwise healthy males azoospermia is a distinct feature that can be explained by partial deletion of AZF regions.