Analysis of polymorphisms in the SRD5A2 gene and semen parameters in Estonian men

J Androl. 2010 Jul-Aug;31(4):372-8. doi: 10.2164/jandrol.109.008714. Epub 2009 Nov 19.

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is an androgen-dependent process and polymorphisms in genes encoding androgen-metabolizing enzymes may be associated with impaired male fertility. The enzyme steroid 5α-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. We analyzed genotype frequencies of 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs 1-5) (rs632148, rs523349, rs2300701, rs2268797, and rs12470143) in the steroid 5α-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2) in 132 azoospermic or oligozoospermic and 211 normozoospermic men. We found no association between investigated genotypes and the occurrence of male infertility. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between certain alleles of SNP1 and SNP5 and testicular volume among control men. Normozoospermic men carrying the minor allele of all but SNP5 polymorphism exhibited a significantly higher proportion of progressively motile spermatozoa, compared with major homozygotes. However, SRD5A2 genotypes did not influence sperm concentration, serum testosterone, or follicle-stimulating hormone levels in controls. Our results suggest that polymorphisms examined in SRD5A2 exhibit no adverse effect on semen parameters in Estonian men.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / genetics*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Azoospermia / genetics*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Estonia
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Oligospermia / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Semen Analysis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase
  • SRD5A2 protein, human