DNA flow cytometry in sperm cells from unilaterally orchiectomized patients with testicular cancer before further treatment

Light microscopic sperm cell analysis and DNA flow cytometry in the seminal fluid were done in 85 testicular cancer patients after orchiectomy before further treatment. The results were compared with those from 26 healthy age-matched males (control group). A computer-based method for analysis of the DNA histograms was developed for evaluation of the percentage of sperm cells within the sub-haploid, haploid (1c), and diploid (2c) and greater than 2c levels. Compared with the control group, testicular cancer patients had a reduced sperm cell density and sperm cell motility. The mobility grade was also significantly reduced as compared with healthy males. In addition, the number of condensed haploid sperm cells (within the subhaploid level) was decreased in testicular cancer patients, whereas the percentages of noncondensed haploid (1c), diploid, and greater than 2c cells were increased. Most of the DNA flow cytometric parameters were significantly correlated with sperm cell density. DNA flow cytometry in human seminal fluid offers a possible means of assessing spermatogenesis, thus providing an objective method for studying fertility disturbances, for example, in cancer patients before and after treatment.