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Altered of microRNA expression level in oligospermic patients
Alireza Abhari1, Nosratollah Zarghami1, Laya Farzadi1
1Department. of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Background:
MicroRNA (miRNA) is small endogenous, single strand RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level through several mechanisms to affect key cellular event including male germ cells differentiation, proliferation, development and apoptosis. Mutation and/or aberrant expression of miRNAs have been associated with progression of various disorders, including infertility.
Objective:
The purpose of this research was to study the estrogen receptor beta (ERβ(, hsa-mir-21 and, hsa-mir-22 expression level in oligospermic infertile and control fertile men and correlation between them.
Materials And Methods:
In this study, the change in mir-21, mir-22 expression and their common target gene (ERβ) expression levels were evaluated in oligospermic infertile men (n= 43) compared with 43 age matched healthy control by Real-Time PCR methods.
Results:
Expression analysis by qRT-PCR test on miRNA have identified that mir-21, mir-22 levels were significantly higher than those in normal controls (p<0.0001) and ERβ expression level significantly decreased in comparison with the normal group (p<0.0001).
Conclusion:
Our study showed that mir-21 and mir-22 are indirectly involved in spermatogenesis by regulating of the estrogen receptor and might have a diagnostic and prognostic value in men infertility.
Insights
MicroRNA-21 and microRNA-22 levels were significantly elevated in infertile men, while estrogen receptor beta expression decreased. These miRNAs may play a role in male infertility by regulating estrogen receptor.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to various disorders, including male infertility.
- Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) plays a role in male reproductive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of ERβ, hsa-mir-21, and hsa-mir-22 in oligospermic infertile men compared to fertile controls.
- To explore the correlation between ERβ, hsa-mir-21, and hsa-mir-22 in male infertility.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure miRNA and ERβ expression levels.
- The study included 43 oligospermic infertile men and 43 age-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- hsa-mir-21 and hsa-mir-22 expression levels were significantly higher in infertile men compared to controls (p<0.0001).
- ERβ expression levels were significantly decreased in infertile men compared to controls (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- hsa-mir-21 and hsa-mir-22 are indirectly involved in spermatogenesis by regulating ERβ.
- These miRNAs may serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for male infertility.
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