Y-chromosomal microdeletions among infertile Finnish men

Background. Microdeletions in the Y-chromosome are known to cause a significant proportion of azoo- and oligozoospermia in men. The reported frequency of deletions varies greatly between the studies. Probable reasons for this variation are different selection criteria and number of patients included, and possibly also methodological aspects, whereas the contribution of environmental and genetic factors is not known. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions among infertile Finnish men. Methods. Two hundred and one men showing azoospermia (n=68) or severe oligozoospermia (n=133) were included. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction method was used to amplify specific sequence tagged sites (STS) along the Y chromosome. Results. Microdeletions were observed in 18 men (9%), of whom four were azoospermic and 14 oligozoospermic. Conclusions. The incidence of Y-deletions in the study population of infertile Finnish men falls within the range published in other countries.