Molecular analysis of defects in the CFTR gene and AZF locus of the Y chromosome in male infertility

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the frequency and potential impact of mutations and polymorphisms in the CFTR gene and deletions in AZF locus of the Y chromosome in patients with azoospermia (AZOO), cryptozoospermia (CRYPTO) or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) who were to be included in an assisted reproductive technologies (ART) program.

Study design: A total of 188 infertile men were enrolled in the study: 100 patients with AZOO, 38 with CRYPTO and 50 with OAT.

Results: The CFTR gene mutations or IVS8-5T variant in at least 1 allele was identified with similar frequencies among the AZOO (33%) and CRYPTO (21%) patients; 55% of the AZOO patients with normal spermatogenesis (NS) had mutations in 1 or 2 alleles. The novel R810G mutation in exon 13 was identified in 1 NS patient. The OAT or AZOO patients with Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCO) had mutations in the CFTR gene with similar frequencies to that in the general Polish population. The deletions in the AZF locus were detected in 20% of SCO patients, 11.5% of AZOO patients with maturation arrest and in 5% of CRYPTO patients. The other groups (NS, OAT) did not carry deletions in the region studied.

Conclusion: Molecular diagnosis of the CFTR gene, Y chromosome deletion analysis and genetic counseling are necessary diagnostic elements for patients with male infertility, especially if the are included in an ART program.