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USP7 and SET9 Expression in The Oligospermic Human Semen: A Case-Control Study.
Maryam Farahani1, Zahra Yaghobi1, Mina Ramezani1
1Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
International Journal of Fertility & Sterility
|October 23, 2022
Summary
Oligospermia, a condition of low sperm count, may be linked to the USP7 gene. USP7 gene expression was significantly higher in men with oligospermia compared to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- Oligospermia is defined as less than 15 million sperm/mL.
- Spermatogenesis requires numerous gene expressions; disruptions can cause infertility.
- Investigating gene expression is crucial for understanding spermatogenesis disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine USP7 and SET9 gene expression in healthy and oligospermic men.
- To identify potential molecular markers for oligospermia.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design.
- Semen samples collected from healthy and oligospermic men.
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) used to analyze USP7 and SET9 gene expression.
Main Results:
- USP7 gene expression was 3.99 times higher in oligospermic patients (P<0.001).
- SET9 gene expression was 1.28 times lower in patients, but not significantly (P=0.231).
- Increased USP7 expression observed in 84% of oligospermic individuals.
Conclusions:
- USP7 gene shows potential as a molecular marker for oligospermia development.
- Further research may elucidate the role of USP7 in male infertility.
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