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Clinical Trial
. 2003 Nov;80(5):1190-4.
doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(03)02157-5.

C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism interferes with the effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on sperm concentration

Inge M W Ebisch  1 , Waander L van Heerde, Chris M G Thomas, Nathalie van der Put, Wai Yee Wong, Régine P M Steegers-Theunissen
Affiliations
Free article
Clinical Trial

C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism interferes with the effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on sperm concentration

Inge M W Ebisch et al. Fertil Steril. 2003 Nov.
Free article

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism in fertile and subfertile males, and the MTHFR-dependent response of sperm concentration after folic acid and/or zinc sulfate intervention.

Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study. Two outpatient fertility clinics and nine midwifery practices in The Netherlands.

Patient(s): One hundred thirteen fertile and 77 subfertile males. Daily capsules of folic acid (5 mg) and/or zinc sulfate (66 mg), or placebo for 26 weeks.

Main outcome measure(s): Prevalence of C677T MTHFR polymorphism and the response of sperm concentration related to MTHFR carriership after intervention treatment.

Result(s): The C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotypes were comparable in fertile and subfertile males. Independent of fertility state, sperm concentration significantly increased in wild-types after folic acid and zinc sulfate treatment only. Heterozygotes and homozygotes did not significantly benefit from either treatment.

Conclusion(s): C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism is not a risk factor for male factor subfertility. In contrast to heterozygotes and homozygotes for C677T MTHFR polymorphism, sperm concentration in wild-types significantly improved after folic acid and zinc sulfate intervention. A stronger role of other folate genes on spermatogenesis is suggested.

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Comment in

  • A genetic polymorphism and male fertility.
    Rossato M. Rossato M. Fertil Steril. 2004 May;81(5):1429-30; author reply 1430-1. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.02.086. Fertil Steril. 2004. PMID: 15136128 No abstract available.

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