Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor polymorphism and seminal anti-Müllerian hormone in fertile and infertile men

Abstract

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is fundamental for Sertoli cell function stimulating spermatogenesis and follicular growth by a specific receptor (FSHR). This work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Asn and Ser FSHR gene variants and its relationship with seminal anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) among normozoospermic and infertile oligoasthenozoospermic (OAT) males. Eighty-two Caucasian males grouped into normozoospermic healthy controls (n = 30) and infertile OAT males (n = 52). FSHR gene variants were determined by DNA from anti-coagulated blood and underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and electrophoresis in detecting amplification products. AMH in seminal plasma was determined by ELISA. The results showed that the frequency of FSHR gene variants among fertile men was 46.7% Asn/Asn (N680S), 33.3% Asn/Ser, and 20% Ser/Ser, whereas among OAT men were 34.6%, 38.5% and 26.9% respectively with nonsignificant differences. Seminal AMH was significantly higher in fertile than infertile OAT men. There was significant increase in seminal AMH with Asn/Asn variant of FSHR gene than those with Asn/Ser or Ser/Ser. It is concluded that FSH gene variants showed no difference in distribution between fertile or infertile OAT men. However, when correlated with seminal AMH values, there was an increase in Asn/Asn in men with high seminal AMH.

Alterations of the FSH and LH receptor genes and evaluation of sperm ultrastructure in men with idiopathic hypergonadotropic hypogonadism

“…Different studies reported no significant correlation among serum FSH levels, semen characteristics or fertility status and FSHR gene polymorphisms [7,10,14,22]. However, the hypothesis that the combination of heterozygous FSHR (codon 307 and 607) can be responsible for male infertility was reported by Shimoda et al [11].…”

There is no complete linkage between the polymorphisms N680S and T307A of the follicular stimulating hormone receptor gene in fertile women

“…The FSHR is a single-copy gene consisting of 10 exons and nine introns [4] and belongs to the protein G receptor group.…”

“…These polymorphisms were studied in infertile women and shown to alter their hormonal status. Homozygotic patients at both codons (alanine/alanine at 307 and serine/serine at 680) have higher serum FSH levels during menstrual cycles and demand higher gonadotrophin dosages for ovulation induction [4,10,11].…”

Relationship of Inhibin-B with Gonadal Hormones Levels in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Patients in Diyala Governorate

“…As the study of Bohring et al (18) that agreed with our study which conducted with the determination of serum levels of inhibin B, FSH, LH and testosterone in infertile & fertile men. In addition to the major playing role of FSH in the induction and maintenance of spermatogenesis and can be a useful marker of the histological condition of the testis (10) . However, the diagnostic accuracy of FSH was questioned due to a wide overlap of FSH levels in regular and reduced spermatogenesis states this observation led researchers to reach more specific and direct markers of spermatogenesis and there is a growing interest regarding the role of inhibin B in evaluation of infertility (8) .…”

“…Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules within the testes (Production is controlled by two hormones from the pituitary gland). Sperm are transported into the epididymus which stores and improves the fertility of sperm (10) . The hormonal regulation of testicular function is a complex system controlled by the hypothamusgonadal axis.…”