The "decapitated sperm" defect, found in both of two sterile brothers, may be assumed to have a genetic origin. The present material suggests that the term "decapitated spermatozoa" is not exact, because detached heads and tails were found in the brothers' ejaculate that could be regarded as "decapitated tails" and "decaudated heads." The present report describes frequent, more or less advanced stages of detachment. Both heads and tails showed a normal structure in which only the postnuclear region was deficient, lacking basal plate and implantation fossa. A break at a different level of the midpiece, and therefore three kinds of separation, were observed. The defect, according to the present research, must originate in the testicular region, whereas the detachment occurs in the epididymis.

Abstract. By immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization at the electron microscopy level, and by the PCR technique, we have shown that HIV-1 binds and enters normal sperm; that viral particles, their antigens, and nucleic acid are present in sperm from HIV-1 infected men; and that such sperm can transfer HIV-1 like particles to normal human oocytes. We also present evidence that a galactosylceramide-like compound is present on the sperm membrane and could function as an alternative receptor for HIV.

The cytotoxicity of Au/Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on human spermatozoa was investigated in vitro. Semen from donors were incubated (37 °C, 60'-120') with 30, 60, 125, 250 and 500 μM Au/Ag-NPs. Sperm motility was evaluated following WHO guidelines; sperm viability was assessed with eosin Y test. Au-NPs were characterised and localised with field emission gun-based scanning transmission electron microscope/energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Both tested NPs exerted a significant dose-dependent effect on motility and viability of human spermatozoa (P < 0.001). Ag-NPs seem to show a slightly elevated toxicity although not significant (P > 0.05). Au-NPs were localised in spermatozoa, whereas Ag-NPs were undetectable. In conclusion, Au-NPs and Ag-NPs do not appear to be harmful for human spermatozoa up to high concentrations (250-500 μM) that are probably difficult to reach in vivo. It is mandatory to explore the genotoxic effect of NPs in germ cells.

H. pylori infection may increase the risk of developing reproductive disorders or worsen the clinical expression of this syndrome.