Utilization of dental pulp DNA as diagnostic molecular marker for fertility detection in men

Recent advances in DNA technology have revolutionized forensic identification procedures. Teeth dentin and pulp are rich sources of DNA material, which can be successfully extracted and it provides us with valuable information on individuals, systemic health including fertility status.

The aim of this study was to use DNA material extracted from human teeth pulp for detection of fertility status of men.

Twenty extracted premolar teeth of systemic disease free male Saudi individuals (45 years average age) were collected; eight of them were infertile while others were fertile and were used as control group. This information was concealed until the PCR analysis was performed. The results of recorded patient information was matched with the results of the DNA analysis.

Results showed that the gene (sY83) an important gene of AZFa region in Y chromosome is important for male fertility. It was later evident that the infertile patients suffered from azoospermia, and that information is completely matched with our results.

Using DNA extracted from dental pulp can be used successfully in determining fertility status of human which may help in an accurate personal identification specially in extreme circumstances.