N Mobasseri - Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
HR Nikzad - Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
M Karimian - Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

Background: Polymorphisms in estrogen receptor alpha gene could affect risk of male infertility.Objective: in this study, we investigated the association of rs2234693 polymorphism in estrogen receptor alpha gene with idiopathic male infertility in an Iranian population.Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, 439 subjects including 226 infertile men and 213 fertile men were enrolled. After blood collection and genomic DNA extraction, the rs2234693 genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP technique.Results: There were a significant protective association between rs2234693TT genotype and idiopathic infertility (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.3-0.98, p=0.042). In addition, there are significant protective associations between rs2234693 polymorphism and both asthenozoospermia (OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.24-0.92, p=0.029) and non-obstructive azoospermia (OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.21-0.99, p=0.046). Also, allele analysis revealed a significant protective association between allele T and asthenospermia (OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.46-0.99, p=0.044).Conclusion: These findings suggest that the ESR1-PvuII transition could be considered as a possible protective factor against male infertility.

Idiopathic male infertility, Estrogen receptors, Genetic polymorphism, rs2234693