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Associations between androgen receptor CAG repeat length and sperm morphology
David Milatiner1, David Halle, Michael Huerta
1IVF Unit, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Jerusalem 91031, Israel.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|May 1, 2004
Summary
Longer CAG repeat lengths in the androgen receptor gene are linked to teratozoospermia (abnormal sperm morphology). This suggests CAG repeat length affects sperm quality and male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Genetics
- Andrology
Background:
- The number of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the androgen receptor (AR) gene influences testosterone-target gene activity.
- While long CAG repeats are linked to male infertility, their specific impact on AR activity and sperm parameters remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CAG repeat length polymorphism in the AR gene and sperm parameters.
- To explore the relationship between CAG repeat length and male fertility.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 172 men attending an IVF unit.
- Measurement of sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and AR gene CAG repeat number.
Main Results:
- Mean CAG repeat length was significantly greater in men with teratozoospermia compared to those with normal sperm morphology (22.19 vs. 21.25, P = 0.02).
- Longer CAG repeats were associated with abnormal sperm morphology (OR 1.14, P = 0.04).
- No significant association was found between CAG repeat length and sperm concentration or motility.
Conclusions:
- A positive correlation exists between CAG repeat length and teratozoospermia.
- This finding supports the concept that androgen receptor function is inversely regulated by the length of its CAG repeat tract.