Polymorphisms of sperm protamine genes and CMA3 staining in infertile men with varicocele

Rev Int Androl. 2020 Jan-Mar;18(1):7-13. doi: 10.1016/j.androl.2018.07.005. Epub 2018 Nov 24.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate polymorphisms of sperm protamine genes and their effects on the result of CMA3 staining in varicocele men.

Material and methods: In a case control study, 128 patients with male infertility due to varicocele and 128 controls were recruited. Polymorphisms of PRM1 and PRM2 genes in extracted DNA samples were assessed by PCR-SSCP and sequencing. Protamine deficiency was also indirectly estimated by CMA3 staining.

Result: Nine different variants including six variants in PRM1 gene and three variants in PRM2 gene were found among varicocele patients. The results showed that sperm count, motility and morphology were significantly different between control group without gene variations and varicocele group who had several variations in their protamine genes (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Therefore, PRM1 and PRM2 variations in varicocele patients are associated with the production of spermatozoa with more protamine deficiency and this is one of the possible causes of infertility due to varicocele.

Keywords: Esperma; Esterilidad; Infertility; Polimorfismo; Polymorphism; Protamine gene variation; Sperm; Variación del gen de la protamina; Varicocele.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cell Shape
  • Chromomycin A3
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Heterozygote
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / etiology
  • Infertility, Male / genetics*
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Protamines / analysis
  • Protamines / genetics*
  • Sperm Count
  • Sperm Motility
  • Spermatozoa / cytology
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Varicocele / complications
  • Varicocele / genetics*

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • PRM1 protein, human
  • Protamines
  • protamine 2
  • Chromomycin A3