Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen
Published on: January 19, 2024
Analysis of polymorphisms in the SRD5A2 gene and semen parameters in Estonian men
Maire Peters1, Merli Saare, Tanel Kaart
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia. mpeters@ebc.ee
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.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
Spermatogenesis

