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Detecting the Ligand-binding Domain Dimerization Activity of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Using the Mammalian Two-Hybrid Assay
Published on: December 19, 2018
Estrogen receptor alpha and beta polymorphisms are associated with semen quality
Leandros A Lazaros1, Nectaria V Xita, Apostolos I Kaponis
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
Journal of Andrology
|December 5, 2009
Summary
Estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) gene variations impact sperm quality. Specific ER alpha genotypes were linked to altered sperm motility and concentration in men, highlighting its role in male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Human genetics
- Andrology
Background:
- Semen quality is crucial for male fertility.
- Estrogen receptors (ER alpha and ER beta) play roles in reproductive processes.
- Gene polymorphisms in estrogen receptors may influence male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) gene polymorphisms and semen quality parameters in men.
- To determine if specific ER alpha and ER beta genotypes correlate with sperm concentration and motility.
Main Methods:
- Genotype analysis was performed on DNA extracted from spermatozoa of 114 men.
- Participants were categorized into normal sperm count (85 men) and oligozoospermic (29 men) groups.
- Sperm motility and concentration were compared between different genotypes of ER alpha and ER beta polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- ER alpha polymorphisms at 397T/C and 351A/A were significantly associated with altered sperm motility in oligozoospermic men.
- ER alpha polymorphisms at 397T/T and 351A/A were linked to higher sperm concentration in men with normal sperm counts.
- No significant associations were found between ER beta gene polymorphisms (1082G-->A and 1730A-->G) and semen quality parameters.
Conclusions:
- ER alpha gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with variations in sperm motility and concentration.
- These findings suggest ER alpha plays a significant role in spermatogenesis and overall semen quality.
- ER beta gene polymorphisms do not appear to influence sperm concentration or motility in the studied population.
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