Synergistic effects of TIMP2-418G/C and MMP9-1562C/T variants on the male infertility risk

Assessment of the relationship between miR-499C/T (rs3746444) polymorphism and lung carcinoma in Iranian population; a case-control study

Introduction

Lung carcinoma is characterized by uncontrollable division of respiratory system cells with detrimental and lethal consequences on human health. Critical roles of microRNAs (miR) are scientifically approved in biological and pathological pathways, such as the role of miR-499 (rs3746444) in lung carcinomas. Thus, in this case-control investigation, we aimed to assess the probable relationship between miR-499C/T variant and the occurrence of lung carcinoma in Iranian population for the first time.

Methods

Genotype of miR-499 polymorphism was described by the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay in patients and healthy individuals. Following definite diagnosis of lung carcinoma, the blood samples were collected, and the DNA extraction was performed by Salting-Out method. Finally, data were analysed by SPSS (v. 20) and the significant level was considered p-value<0.05.

Results

Statistically, the frequency of combined genotypes of CC+CT were 83.33% and 35% and TT+CT were 100% and 92% in case and control individuals, respectively. Also, individuals with genotypes of TC (OR: 3.08, CI95%: 3.03-3.17, p<0.0001), TC+CC (OR: 0.10, CI95%: 0.05-0.23, p<0.0001), CC (OR: 0, CI95%: 0.00-0.60, p=0.0214), and TC (OR: 0.07, CI95%: 0.030.15, p<0.0001) represented statistically significant (p<0.05) differences lung carcinoma than those with TT, TT, TT+TC, and TT+CC genotypes, respectively. The frequency of miR-499C (78.5%) and miR-499T (21.5%) alleles were also statistically significantly (p<0.05) difference associated with lung carcinoma in patients than controls.

Conclusion

In this study, a possible relationship among miR-499C/T polymorphism and lung carcinoma was detected in Iranian population. Since this study was conducted for the first time, thus other supplementary assessments are needed for definite conclusion.

CD147 and MMPs as key factors in physiological and pathological processes

Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) or extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that induces the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs, as zinc-dependent proteases and versatile enzymes, play critical roles in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, cleaving of the receptors of cellular surfaces, signaling molecules, and other precursor proteins, which may lead to attenuation or activation of such targets. CD147 and MMPs play essential roles in physiological and pathological conditions and any disorder in the expression, synthesis, or function of CD147 and MMPs may be associated with various types of disease. In this review, we have focused on the roles of CD147 and MMPs in some major physiological and pathological processes.

Genetic variations as molecular diagnostic factors for idiopathic male infertility: current knowledge and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Infertility is a major health problem, worldwide, which affects 10-15% of couples. About half a percent of infertility cases are related to male-related factors. Male infertility is a complex disease that is the result of various insults as lifestyle issues, genetics, and epigenetic factors. Idiopathic infertility is responsible for 30% of total cases. The genetic factors responsible for male infertility include chromosomal abnormalities, deletions of chromosome Y, and mutations and genetic variations of key genes.

AREAS COVERED

In this review article, we aim to narrate performed studies on polymorphisms of essential genes involved in male infertility including folate metabolizing genes, oxidative stress-related genes, inflammation, and cellular pathways related to spermatogenesis. Moreover, possible pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for genetic polymorphisms are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Analysis and assessment of these genetic variations could help in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic male infertility.

Association between the FAS/FASL Variants and Risk of Male Infertility in Asian Populations; A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: Studies suggest that FAS/FASL polymorphisms are associated with male infertility; however, their results are still inconclusive. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize and clarify the overall association of FAS/FASL polymorphisms and risk of male infertility. Materials and Methods: Our search was conducted on the databases of Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar. For performing the meta-analysis, pooled odds ratio (OR) values with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied in order to analyze the strength of association between the FAS/FASL polymorphisms and risk of male infertility. A total of seven relevant studies published up to September 2018 were considered. Results: FASL-844C/T genotype results of 559 patients and 623 healthy individuals were included in our study. For FAS-670A/G genotype effect, 751 patients and 821 healthy individuals were explored. Results showed that all analysis models including dominant, recessive and allelic models of FASL-844C/T and FAS-670A/G polymorphism had no significant effect on infertility in men (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). According to sensitivity analysis, our results were stable. Conclusion: We demonstrated that FAS/FASL polymorphisms might not be an effective factor on male reproductive health. For precise determination of FAS/FASL polymorphisms effects on male infertility, large-scale case-control studies should be performed.