A novel genomic diagnostic tool for sperm quality?

Male factor infertility is a growing problem worldwide. Considering that a male factor is involved in at least 20% of infertility cases, there is a need for better predictive markers of sperm function. The traditional sperm analysis based on sperm count and motility has been used for the diagnosis of male fertility for several decades, however, a significant number of men with normal sperm features remain unable to reach pregnancy. This fact clearly indicates the need to develop new male infertility tests to accurately diagnose the sperm samples from these individuals. Furthermore, the classic spermiogram has limited predictive power to predict pregnancy in assisted reproductive techniques. Microarray technology is a powerful tool for detecting gene expression of thousands of genes at the same time. There is a great interest in the sperm transcriptome as a source from which to develop markers of male infertility. This commentary discusses the current advances in the microarray technology and sperm quality. It is believed that microarray-based fertility testing of sperm potential in infertility treatment could be close at hand. (C) 2011, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.