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Comparison of SPAG11A gene expression in infertile men with grade 1 and 2 varicocele before and after treatment
Sepide Amiri1,2, Lida Gholizadeh3, Azam Rasti4,5
1Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
JBRA Assisted Reproduction
|March 6, 2024
Summary
Varicocele significantly impacts Sperm Associated Antigen 11A (SPAG11A) gene expression and sperm quality in infertile men. Varicocele treatment did not restore SPAG11A levels or improve semen parameters in this study.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Andrology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Sperm Associated Antigen 11A (SPAG11A) is crucial for sperm maturation and function.
- Varicocele can negatively affect testicular and epididymal environments, impairing spermatogenesis and sperm maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the SPAG11A gene in infertile men with varicocele.
- To assess the impact of varicocele on sperm parameters before and after treatment.
- To correlate SPAG11A expression with semen quality in varicocele patients.
Main Methods:
- Semen analysis performed according to WHO guidelines.
- SPAG11A mRNA expression quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
- Study included 20 infertile men with varicocele (pre- and post-treatment) and 10 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Varicocele significantly altered sperm concentration, morphology, and motility compared to controls.
- SPAG11A mRNA levels were significantly lower in men with varicocele before treatment (p=0.007).
- No significant improvement in SPAG11A expression or semen parameters was observed post-treatment compared to pre-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Varicocele appears to negatively affect SPAG11A gene expression and semen quality.
- The efficacy of varicocele treatment in reversing these adverse effects requires further investigation.
