Men with genetic predisposition face greater fertility challenges when exposed to electromagnetic radiation

This study investigates the synergistic effects of genetic variants in core meiotic regulator genes-SPO11, RNF212, and SYCP3-and co-occurring exposure to electronic radiation as risk factors for azoospermia among Bengali-speaking men from West Bengal, India.

A total of 708 azoospermic individuals, who tested negative for Y chromosome microdeletions, and 640 healthy controls were genotyped using Sanger's dideoxy sequencing. Genetic variants identified included SPO11 rs3764674T > G, MN650122delA, MN708963insA, MN708964insA, MN720359T > A; RNF212 MN737491delA, rs4045481C > T; and SYCP3 rs10860779C > A, MN901901delA, and MN995822delA. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the interaction between genetic variants, electronic radiation exposure, and age, with fertility status as the outcome variable.

The analysis revealed a significant association between genetic variations in meiotic regulators and increased risk of azoospermia, particularly among men aged 30 years or older who were exposed to electronic radiation. The findings suggest that effect of electronic radiation may exacerbate meiotic errors, impair germ cell development, and further reduce fertility in affected individuals.

Men carrying genetic variations in SPO11, RNF212, and SYCP3 and exposed to electronic radiation are at an elevated risk of azoospermia, particularly with advancing age. This information may be considered in routine screening of assisted reproductive technology (ART) practices, which will enable clinicians to tailor management strategies for male infertility.