Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Polymorphism in Infertile Palestinian Men

Abstract

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is necessary for normal reproduction. Follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) signaling stimulates proliferation of Sertoli cells and maintains spermatogenesis. This work aimed toinvestigate FSHR polymorphism in infertile Palestinian men. 56 males grouped into 24 normozoospermic controls, and 32 infertile males. Infertile males were grouped into 11 azoospermic males, and 21 oligozoospermic males. Semen analysis, FSH, Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Total testosterone were determined. Allelic variant of FSHR gene was determined by PCR-RFLP. Sperm count was significantly decreased in oligospermia and azoospermia compared to control. Sperm motility showed significant differences between the different groups of men.LH and FSH were significantly increased in azoospermia compared to controls and compared to oligospermia. The T testosterone was significantly decreased in oligospermia and azoospermia compared to controls. The SNPs of FSHR allele showed no significant difference in the prevalence of FSHR among the three groups. Sperm count was significantly decreased in mutant (Ser/Ser) FSHR allele compared to wild (Asn/Asn) FSHR allele. On the other hand, sperm motility showed no significant differences among various groups. LH was significantly increased in mutant FSHR allele compared to wildFSHR allele, whereas the T testosterone was significantly decreased in mutant FSHR allele compared to wildFSHR allele. However, there was no significant difference in FSH among various groups. It is conclude that the presence of mutant (Ser/Ser) FSHR allele is observed to be a cause for a decreased in a sperm count and T testosterone and increased of LH level.