5-Alfa reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) gene rs523349 polymorphism is not associated with non-obstructive azoospermia in Turkish patients

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is an androgen-dependent event, and testosterone is the major androgen source. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in testicular and peripheral tissues. Polymorphisms in genes encoding 5-alpha reductase may be associated with impaired male fertility. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between 5-alpha reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) gene rs523349 polymorphism and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in Turkish patients. The study included 75 NOA patients and 43 fertile men from Turkey. No significant relationship was found between SRD5A2 gene rs523349 polymorphism and male infertility (P = 0.071). There was a statistically significant difference in total testosterone level and total testis volume between NOA patients and the control groups, however there was no significant difference between serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Our results showed that SRD5A2 gene rs523349 polymorphism was not associated with NOA in Turkish patients.

Keywords: 5-Alfa reductase type 2; Azoospermia; Male infertility; Non-obstructive azoospermia.