Telomere Length and Mitochondrial Copy Number as Potential Biomarkers for Male Infertility in Iraqi Men

Background/Objectives: Male infertility is one of the major problems in Iraqi health and society; it is caused by several factors, such as acquired, environmental, and genetic factors. Awareness of the crucial role of telomeres and mitochondria in sperm production and fertility has increased in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the association between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and telomere length in sperm and the degree of infertility in Iraqi males. Methods: Of the 200 study participants, 50 were healthy controls and 150 were infertile. Sperm count, motility, and morphology were assessed by collecting and analyzing semen samples. After DNA extraction, the mitochondrial ND1 gene and the reference nuclear gene GAPDH were analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine the mtDNA copy number. To determine telomere length, another qPCR analysis was used. Results: The mtDNA copy number of infertile men was significantly higher than that of healthy controls with a p-value (0.001). In addition, the sperm of the patient group showed a significant reduction in telomere length (p = 0.001). According to the results of the study, male infertility in Iraqi men is associated with a higher number of mtDNA copies and shorter telomere length. DNA damage or a disruption in the mitochondrial energy production pathway could be the cause of this association. Conclusions: This study reveals that a higher number of mtDNA copies and shorter telomere lengths are associated with male infertility in Iraqi men. These results highlight the importance of continuing research and exploring new avenues in the field of male infertility.