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Masunaga Y, Fujisawa Y, Massart F, Spinelli C, Kojima Y, Mizuno K, Hayashi Y, Sasagawa I, Yoshida R, Kato F, Fukami M, Kamatani N, Saitsu H, Ogata T. Microdeletion at ESR1 Intron 6 (DEL_6_75504) Is a Susceptibility Factor for Cryptorchidism and Hypospadias. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2550-2560. [PMID: 37010083 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT We have previously reported that a specific "AGATC" haplotype in a >34 kb tight linkage disequilibrium (LD) block within ESR1 is strongly associated with cryptorchidism and hypospadias in Japanese boys. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the true susceptibility factor for cryptorchidism and hypospadias linked to the "AGATC" haplotype. METHODS We performed various molecular studies in hitherto unreported 230 Italian boys (80 with cryptorchidism and 150 with normal genitalia) and previously reported and newly recruited 415 Japanese boys (149 with cryptorchidism, 141 with hypospadias, and 125 with normal genitalia). We also performed ESR1 expression analyses using breast cancer-derived MCF-7 cells. RESULTS Haplotype analysis revealed the LD block and positive association of the "AGATC" haplotype with cryptorchidism in Italian boys. Whole genome sequencing identified an identical 2249-bp microdeletion (ΔESR1) generated by a microhomology-mediated replication error in both Japanese and Italian boys with the specific haplotype. ΔESR1 was found to be strongly associated with cryptorchidism and hypospadias by Cochran-Armitage trend test and was revealed to show nearly absolute LD with the "AGATC" haplotype. ESR1 expression was upregulated in MCF-7 cells with a homozygous deletion encompassing ΔESR1 and those with a homozygous deletion involving a CTCF-binding site within ΔESR1. CONCLUSION The results reveal that ΔESR1, which has been registered as "DEL_6_75504" in gnomAD SVs v2.1, is the true susceptibility factor for cryptorchidism and hypospadias. It appears that ΔESR1 was produced in a single ancestral founder of modern humans and has been maintained within the genome of multiple ethnic groups by selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Masunaga
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yasuko Fujisawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | | | | | - Yoshiyuki Kojima
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mizuno
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hayashi
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Isoji Sasagawa
- Department of Urology Yamagata Tokushukai Hospital, Yamagata 990-0834, Japan
| | - Rie Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Fumiko Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Hamamatsu Child Health and Developmental Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | | | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu 432-8580, Japan
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Gupta N, Sarkar S, Mehta P, Sankhwar SN, Rajender S. Polymorphisms in the HSF2, LRRC6, MEIG1 and PTIP genes correlate with sperm motility in idiopathic infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14517. [PMID: 35768906 DOI: 10.1111/and.14517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with male infertility. In this cross-sectional study, we genotyped 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms in 24 infertility candidate genes in 500 oligo-/astheno-/oligoastheno-/normo-zoospermic infertile men with idiopathic infertility. Sequenom iPlex gold assay was used for genotyping. Sperm count and motility were compared between prevalent genotypes at each test locus. We did not observe any significant difference in the average sperm count between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the KLK3, LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2, ESR2 and PTIP genes. However, we observed a significant difference in sperm motility between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2 and PTIP genes. Polymorphisms in the LRRC6 (rs200321595), MEIG1 (rs150031795), HSF2 (rs143986686) and PTIP (rs61752013) genes show association with sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishi Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Saumya Sarkar
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Khan FA, Gartley CJ, Khanam A. Canine cryptorchidism: An update. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1263-1270. [PMID: 29956390 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This review article is aimed at providing an update on canine cryptorchidism based on the research studies published in this area over the last 26 years. Although a majority of these research studies were directed at investigating the genetic and molecular basis of cryptorchidism, the mechanisms underlying this problem in dogs are still not clear. Future studies using advanced genomic and molecular approaches and including a larger number of dogs of multiple breeds are required to further our understanding of canine cryptorchidism. Diagnosis and treatment of cryptorchidism in dogs have not received much attention. Research advancements include investigation of ultrasonography and anti-Müllerian hormone assay as potential diagnostic methods. Advancements in treatment include the use of laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy. Based on the available literature, this method appears to be the best for removal of abdominal cryptorchid testes from dogs. However, future studies that compare laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy with the traditional approaches are required for a more conclusive determination of the best method for cryptorchidectomy in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdous A Khan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Cathy J Gartley
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Afroza Khanam
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, Grenada
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Abstract
Undescended testis - known as cryptorchidism - is one of the most common congenital abnormalities observed in boys, and is one of the few known risk factors for testicular cancer. The key factors that contribute to the occurrence of cryptorchidism remain elusive. Testicular descent is thought to occur during two hormonally-controlled phases in fetal development - between 8-15 weeks (the first phase of decent) and 25-35 weeks gestation (the second phase of descent); the failure of a testis to descend permanently is probably caused by disruptions to one or both of these phases, but the causes and mechanisms of such disruptions are still unclear. A broad range of putative risk factors have been evaluated in relation to the development of cryptorchidism but their plausibility is still in question. Consistent evidence of an association with cryptorchidism exists for only a few factors, and in those cases in which evidence seems unequivocal the factor is likely to be a surrogate for the true causal exposure. The relative importance of each risk factor could vary considerably between mother-son pairs depending on an array of genetic, maternal, placental and fetal factors - all of which could vary between regions. Thus, the role of causative factors in aetiology of cryptorchidism requires further research.
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Wang Y, Li J, Kolon TF, Olivant Fisher A, Figueroa TE, BaniHani AH, Hagerty JA, Gonzalez R, Noh PH, Chiavacci RM, Harden KR, Abrams DJ, Stabley D, Kim CE, Sol-Church K, Hakonarson H, Devoto M, Barthold JS. Genomic copy number variation association study in Caucasian patients with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism. BMC Urol 2016; 16:62. [PMID: 27769252 PMCID: PMC5073740 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-016-0180-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Copy number variation (CNV) is a potential contributing factor to many genetic diseases. Here we investigated the potential association of CNV with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism, the most common male congenital genitourinary defect, in a Caucasian population. Methods Genome wide genotyping were performed in 559 cases and 1772 controls (Group 1) using Illumina HumanHap550 v1, HumanHap550 v3 or Human610-Quad platforms and in 353 cases and 1149 controls (Group 2) using the Illumina Human OmniExpress 12v1 or Human OmniExpress 12v1-1. Signal intensity data including log R ratio (LRR) and B allele frequency (BAF) for each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were used for CNV detection using PennCNV software. After sample quality control, gene- and CNV-based association tests were performed using cleaned data from Group 1 (493 cases and 1586 controls) and Group 2 (307 cases and 1102 controls) using ParseCNV software. Meta-analysis was performed using gene-based test results as input to identify significant genes, and CNVs in or around significant genes were identified in CNV-based association test results. Called CNVs passing quality control and signal intensity visualization examination were considered for validation using TaqMan CNV assays and QuantStudio® 3D Digital PCR System. Results The meta-analysis identified 373 genome wide significant (p < 5X10−4) genes/loci including 49 genes/loci with deletions and 324 with duplications. Among them, 17 genes with deletion and 1 gene with duplication were identified in CNV-based association results in both Group 1 and Group 2. Only 2 genes (NUCB2 and UPF2) containing deletions passed CNV quality control in both groups and signal intensity visualization examination, but laboratory validation failed to verify these deletions. Conclusions Our data do not support that structural variation is a major cause of nonsyndromic cryptorchidism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12894-016-0180-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wang
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thomas F Kolon
- Division of Urology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alicia Olivant Fisher
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - T Ernesto Figueroa
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Ahmad H BaniHani
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Jennifer A Hagerty
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Ricardo Gonzalez
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.,Present address: Auf der Bult Kinder- und Jugendkrankenhaus, Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul H Noh
- Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.,Present address: Division of Pediatric Urology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rosetta M Chiavacci
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kisha R Harden
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Debra J Abrams
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Deborah Stabley
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Cecilia E Kim
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Katia Sol-Church
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Division of Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marcella Devoto
- Division of Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Julia Spencer Barthold
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours /Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA. .,Division of Urology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
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A allele of SNP12 in estrogen receptor 1 was a risk factor for cryptorchidism in Asians: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Pediatr Surg Int 2016; 32:981-7. [PMID: 27376826 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-016-3926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Some studies have been carried out to evaluate the association between SNP12 in estrogen receptor 1 and cryptorchidism, but the results remain inconsistent. We carried out a meta-analysis to explore the association between this polymorphism and cryptorchidism risk. METHODS All eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library. Pooled odds ratios, with 95 % confidence intervals, were assessed for the association using fixed- and random-effects models. RESULTS Overall, four case-control studies (363 cases, 415 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. No significant publication bias (P Begg = 0.308, P Egger = 0.288) was found. A allele of SNP12 in estrogen receptor 1 was protective factor to cryptorchidism in allele model, dominant genetic model and heterozygote comparison in Caucasians, but the result was turned out to be false positive by trial sequential analysis. However, A in allele model was risk factor to cryptorchidism in Asians (odds ratio 2.02, 95 % confidence interval 1.03-3.01, p = 0.946 for heterogeneity) and the result was turned out to be true positive by trial sequential analysis, even though there were merely two original studies. CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis suggest that A allele of SNP12 in estrogen receptor 1 may increase the risk of cryptorchidism in Asians. Meanwhile, further well-designed studies with large sample sizes are required to confirm the present findings, especially in Caucasians.
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Gibbon A, Hobbs H, van der Merwe W, Raleigh SM, Cook J, Handley CJ, Posthumus M, Collins M, September AV. The MMP3 gene in musculoskeletal soft tissue injury risk profiling: A study in two independent sample groups. J Sports Sci 2016; 35:655-662. [PMID: 27211292 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1183806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) is a mediator of matrix remodelling and a proposed susceptibility locus in the genetic profile of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the MMP3 gene as a risk marker for these injuries by conducting a case control genetic association study in two independent samples groups. Three previously investigated MMP3 variants (rs679620, rs591058 and rs650108) in addition to the functional promoter variant (rs3025058) were genotyped in 195 Australian control participants and 79 Australian individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Similarly, 234 South African individuals with acute anterior cruciate ligament ruptures and 232 matched control participants were also analysed. Based on high linkage with the previously associated MMP3 variant rs679620, rs3025058 was inferred and found to be associated with increased risk for Achilles tendinopathy within the South African group (P = 0.012; OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.4 to 6.1). Lastly, the 6A-G-C-G haplotype, constructed from the investigated variants, was significantly associated with reduced risk for Achilles tendinopathy (29% CON vs. 20% TEN, P = 0.037) in the Australian group. In conclusion, a signal surrounding MMP3 is apparent with respect to Achilles tendinopathy. However, whether the investigated variants are contributing to injury susceptibility or whether they are merely linked to the risk conferring variants mapping elsewhere within the MMP gene cluster on chromosome 11, still requires refining.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gibbon
- a Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - H Hobbs
- b Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic , Sports Science Institute of South Africa , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - W van der Merwe
- b Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic , Sports Science Institute of South Africa , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - S M Raleigh
- c Centre for Physical Activity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, School of Health , University of Northampton , Northampton , UK
| | - J Cook
- d School of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - C J Handley
- e Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology , La Trobe University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - M Posthumus
- a Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - M Collins
- a Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - A V September
- a Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
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Barthold JS, Wang Y, Kolon TF, Kollin C, Nordenskjöld A, Olivant Fisher A, Figueroa TE, BaniHani AH, Hagerty JA, Gonzaléz R, Noh PH, Chiavacci RM, Harden KR, Abrams DJ, Kim CE, Li J, Hakonarson H, Devoto M. Pathway analysis supports association of nonsyndromic cryptorchidism with genetic loci linked to cytoskeleton-dependent functions. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2439-51. [PMID: 26209787 PMCID: PMC4573451 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the genetic loci that increase susceptibility to nonsyndromic cryptorchidism, or undescended testis? SUMMARY ANSWER A genome-wide association study (GWAS) suggests that susceptibility to cryptorchidism is heterogeneous, with a subset of suggestive signals linked to cytoskeleton-dependent functions and syndromic forms of the disease. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Population studies suggest moderate genetic risk of cryptorchidism and possible maternal and environmental contributions to risk. Previous candidate gene analyses have failed to identify a major associated locus, although variants in insulin-like 3 (INSL3), relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) and other hormonal pathway genes may increase risk in a small percentage of patients. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a case-control GWAS of 844 boys with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism and 2718 control subjects without syndromes or genital anomalies, all of European ancestry. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All boys with cryptorchidism were diagnosed and treated by a pediatric specialist. In the discovery phase, DNA was extracted from tissue or blood samples and genotyping performed using the Illumina HumanHap550 and Human610-Quad (Group 1) or OmniExpress (Group 2) platform. We imputed genotypes genome-wide, and combined single marker association results in meta-analyses for all cases and for secondary subphenotype analyses based on testis position, laterality and age, and defined genome-wide significance as P = 7 × 10(-9) to correct for multiple testing. Selected markers were genotyped in an independent replication group of European cases (n = 298) and controls (n = 324). We used several bioinformatics tools to analyze top (P < 10(-5)) and suggestive (P < 10(-3)) signals for significant enrichment of signaling pathways, cellular functions and custom gene lists after multiple testing correction. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the full analysis, we identified 20 top loci, none reaching genome-wide significance, but one passing this threshold in a subphenotype analysis of proximal testis position (rs55867206, near SH3PXD2B, odds ratio = 2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.7, 2.9), P = 2 × 10(-9)). An additional 127 top loci emerged in at least one secondary analysis, particularly of more severe phenotypes. Cytoskeleton-dependent molecular and cellular functions were prevalent in pathway analysis of suggestive signals, and may implicate loci encoding cytoskeletal proteins that participate in androgen receptor signaling. Genes linked to human syndromic cryptorchidism, including hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and to hormone-responsive and/or differentially expressed genes in normal and cryptorchid rat gubernaculum, were also significantly overrepresented. No tested marker showed significant replication in an independent population. The results suggest heterogeneous, multilocus and potentially multifactorial susceptibility to nonsyndromic cryptorchidism. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The present study failed to identify genome-wide significant markers associated with cryptorchidism that could be replicated in an independent population, so further studies are required to define true positive signals among suggestive loci. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS As the only GWAS to date of nonsyndromic cryptorchidism, these data will provide a basis for future efforts to understand genetic susceptibility to this common reproductive anomaly and the potential for additive risk from environmental exposures. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by R01HD060769 (the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)), P20RR20173 (the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), currently P20GM103464 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)), an Institute Development Fund to the Center for Applied Genomics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Nemours Biomedical Research. The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Spencer Barthold
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Yanping Wang
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Thomas F Kolon
- Division of Urology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Claude Kollin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Nordenskjöld
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alicia Olivant Fisher
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - T Ernesto Figueroa
- Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Ahmad H BaniHani
- Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Jennifer A Hagerty
- Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Ricardo Gonzaléz
- Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA Present address: Auf der Bult Kinder- und Jugendkrankenhaus, Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul H Noh
- Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA Present address: Division of Pediatric Urology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Rosetta M Chiavacci
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kisha R Harden
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Debra J Abrams
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cecilia E Kim
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marcella Devoto
- Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Tahmasbpour E, Balasubramanian D, Agarwal A. A multi-faceted approach to understanding male infertility: gene mutations, molecular defects and assisted reproductive techniques (ART). J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:1115-37. [PMID: 25117645 PMCID: PMC4156950 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assisted reproductive techniques aimed to assist infertile couples have their own offspring carry significant risks of passing on molecular defects to next generations. RESULTS Novel breakthroughs in gene and protein interactions have been achieved in the field of male infertility using genome-wide proteomics and transcriptomics technologies. CONCLUSION Male Infertility is a complex and multifactorial disorder. SIGNIFICANCE This review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date evaluation of the multifactorial factors involved in male infertility. These factors need to be first assessed and understood before we can successfully treat male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- />Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 44195 Cleveland, OH USA
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11
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Association of polymorphisms in estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) with male infertility: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:601-11. [PMID: 24647635 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Estrogens play an important role in male reproduction via interacting with estrogen receptors (ERs), whose expression can be regulated by the polymorphisms in different regions of ESR1 and ESR2 genes. However, results from published studies on the association between four well-characterized polymorphisms (PvuII, XbaI, RsaI, and AluI) in the gene of ERs (ESR1 and ESR2) and male infertility risk are inconclusive. METHODS To investigate the strength of relationship of PvuII and XbaI in ESR1 and RsaI and AluI in ESR2 with male infertility, we conducted a meta-analysis of 12 eligible studies with odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). RESULTS Overall, ESR1 PvuII and ESR2 RsaI polymorphisms were significantly associated with male infertility risk. The subgroup analyses by ethnicities demonstrated that in Asians, ESR1 PvuII, XbaI and ESR2 RsaI polymorphisms were significantly associated with a decreased infertility risk, while in Caucasians both ESR1 PvuII and ESR2 RsaI polymorphisms increased the susceptibility to male infertility. As for ESR2 AluI polymorphism, no significant association was detected in either overall analysis or subgroup analyses by ethnicities/genotyping methods. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggested that polymorphisms in the genes of ERs (ESR1 and ESR2) may have differential roles in the predisposition to male infertility according to the different ethnic backgrounds. Further well-designed and unbiased studies with larger sample size and diverse ethnic backgrounds should be conducted to verify our findings.
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Frainais C, Kannengiesser C, Albert M, Molina-Gomes D, Boitrelle F, Bailly M, Grandchamp B, Selva J, Vialard F. RHOXF2 gene, a new candidate gene for spermatogenesis failure. Basic Clin Androl 2014; 24:3. [PMID: 25780578 PMCID: PMC4349744 DOI: 10.1186/2051-4190-24-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genes involved in testicular differentiation, spermatogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells have been shown to evolve rapidly and display rapid DNA changes. These genes are therefore good candidates for explaining impairments in spermatogenesis. Initial studies of some of these genes appear to confirm this hypothesis. The RHOXF2 candidate gene belongs to the RHOX family clustered in Xq24 and is specifically expressed in the testis. It contains four exons and codes for a 288 amino acid (aa) transcription factor. It has a high degree of homology (>99.9%) with its paralogue RHOXF2B, which is also preferentially expressed in the testis. OBJECTIVES To sequence RHOXF2 and RHOXF2B in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients and identify any single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with impaired spermatogenesis. MATERIALS A cohort of 327 patients in ICSI programmes at Poissy and Bichat hospitals. All patients gave their written, informed consent to participation. One hundred patients had unaffected spermatogenesis and 227 displayed impaired spermatogenesis. METHODS The four exons in each of RHOXF2 and RHOXF2B were sequenced in 47 patients with oligospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia. Given that exons 2 and 3 were found to harbour most of the SNPs, only these two exons were sequenced in the remaining 280 subjects. RESULTS Due to the extremely high degree of sequence identity between RHOXF2 and RHOXF2B, we were not able to distinguish between the sequences of these two genes. Although 9 SNPs were identified, there were no significant frequency differences between ICSI patients with normal vs. impaired spermatogenesis. Two insertions were identified: a 21-nucleotide insertion was retrieved in both groups and a guanine insertion (inducing a premature stop codon) only found in two patients with impaired spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION/OUTLOOK RHOXF2 is a good candidate for rapid evolution by positive selection. Analysis of the polymorphism frequency in exons 2 and 3 did not allow us to correlate the identified SNPs with male infertility. However, a single nucleotide insertion was identified only in men with impaired spermatogenesis. Further work will be needed to establish whether genetic changes in RHOXF2 can give rise to defects in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martine Albert
- />EA 2493, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, Versailles, F-78035 France
- />Department of Reproductive Biology, Cytogenetics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Poissy Saint Germain Hospital, Poissy, F-78303 France
| | - Denise Molina-Gomes
- />Department of Reproductive Biology, Cytogenetics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Poissy Saint Germain Hospital, Poissy, F-78303 France
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- />EA 2493, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, Versailles, F-78035 France
- />Department of Reproductive Biology, Cytogenetics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Poissy Saint Germain Hospital, Poissy, F-78303 France
| | - Marc Bailly
- />Department of Reproductive Biology, Cytogenetics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Poissy Saint Germain Hospital, Poissy, F-78303 France
| | | | - Jacqueline Selva
- />EA 2493, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, Versailles, F-78035 France
- />Department of Reproductive Biology, Cytogenetics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Poissy Saint Germain Hospital, Poissy, F-78303 France
| | - François Vialard
- />EA 2493, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, Versailles, F-78035 France
- />Department of Reproductive Biology, Cytogenetics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Poissy Saint Germain Hospital, Poissy, F-78303 France
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Cannistraci CV, Ogorevc J, Zorc M, Ravasi T, Dovc P, Kunej T. Pivotal role of the muscle-contraction pathway in cryptorchidism and evidence for genomic connections with cardiomyopathy pathways in RASopathies. BMC Med Genomics 2013; 6:5. [PMID: 23410028 PMCID: PMC3626861 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-6-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is the most frequent congenital disorder in male children; however the genetic causes of cryptorchidism remain poorly investigated. Comparative integratomics combined with systems biology approach was employed to elucidate genetic factors and molecular pathways underlying testis descent. METHODS Literature mining was performed to collect genomic loci associated with cryptorchidism in seven mammalian species. Information regarding the collected candidate genes was stored in MySQL relational database. Genomic view of the loci was presented using Flash GViewer web tool (http://gmod.org/wiki/Flashgviewer/). DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.7 was used for pathway enrichment analysis. Cytoscape plug-in PiNGO 1.11 was employed for protein-network-based prediction of novel candidate genes. Relevant protein-protein interactions were confirmed and visualized using the STRING database (version 9.0). RESULTS The developed cryptorchidism gene atlas includes 217 candidate loci (genes, regions involved in chromosomal mutations, and copy number variations) identified at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic level. Human orthologs of the collected candidate loci were presented using a genomic map viewer. The cryptorchidism gene atlas is freely available online: http://www.integratomics-time.com/cryptorchidism/. Pathway analysis suggested the presence of twelve enriched pathways associated with the list of 179 literature-derived candidate genes. Additionally, a list of 43 network-predicted novel candidate genes was significantly associated with four enriched pathways. Joint pathway analysis of the collected and predicted candidate genes revealed the pivotal importance of the muscle-contraction pathway in cryptorchidism and evidence for genomic associations with cardiomyopathy pathways in RASopathies. CONCLUSIONS The developed gene atlas represents an important resource for the scientific community researching genetics of cryptorchidism. The collected data will further facilitate development of novel genetic markers and could be of interest for functional studies in animals and human. The proposed network-based systems biology approach elucidates molecular mechanisms underlying co-presence of cryptorchidism and cardiomyopathy in RASopathies. Such approach could also aid in molecular explanation of co-presence of diverse and apparently unrelated clinical manifestations in other syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo V Cannistraci
- Integrative Systems Biology Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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Association of variants in genes involved in environmental chemical metabolism and risk of cryptorchidism and hypospadias. J Hum Genet 2012; 57:434-41. [PMID: 22648180 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2012.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesized that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes involved in environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) metabolism might influence the risk of male genital malformations. In this study, we explored for association between 384 SNPs in 15 genes (AHR, AHRR, ARNT, ARNT2, NR1I2, RXRA, RXRB, RXRG, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CYP17A1 and CYP19A1) and risk of cryptorchidism (CO) and hypospadias (HS) in 334 Japanese (JPN) males (141 controls, 95 CO and 98 HS) and 187 Italian (ITA) males (129 controls and 58 CO). In the JPN study group, five SNPs from ARNT2 (rs2278705 and rs5000770), CYP1A2 (rs2069521), CYP17A1 (rs4919686) and NR1I2 (rs2472680) were significantly associated at both allelic and genotypic levels with risk of at least one genital malformation phenotype. In the ITA study group, two SNPs in AHR (rs3757824) and ARNT2 (rs1020397) were significantly associated with risk of CO. Interaction analysis of the positive SNPs using multifactor dimensionality reduction demonstrated that synergistic interaction between rs2472680, rs4919686 and rs5000770 had 62.81% prediction accuracy for CO (P=0.011) and that between rs2069521 and rs2278705 had 69.98% prediction accuracy for HS (P=0.001) in JPN population. In a combined analysis of JPN and ITA population, the most significant multi-locus association was observed between rs5000770 and rs3757824, which had 65.70% prediction accuracy for CO (P=0.055). Our findings indicate that genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in EED metabolism are associated with risk of CO and HS.
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Abstract
Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is the most frequent congenital abnormality in newborn boys. The process of testicular descent to the scrotum is controlled by hormones produced in Leydig cells, insulin-like3, and androgens. Variation in genetic and environmental factors might affect testicular descent. A failure of spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis resulting in infertility as well as an increased risk of neoplastic transformation of germ cell are the direct consequences of cryptorchidism in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Agoulnik
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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Tang KF, Zheng JZ, Xing JP. Molecular analysis of SNP12 in estrogen receptor α gene in hypospadiac or cryptorchid patients from Northwestern China. Urol Int 2011; 87:359-62. [PMID: 21934279 DOI: 10.1159/000330902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the single nucleotide polymorphism 12 (SNP12) in the estrogen receptor α (ESR1) gene in hypospadiac or cryptorchid patients from Northwestern China. METHODS 103 patients and 40 controls were analyzed for SNP12 to verify whether this genetic variant was associated with hypospadias or cryptorchidism. RESULTS The frequencies of the A allele and homozygote individuals for the A allele of SNP12 in the hypospadiac group were higher than in the control group, respectively (p = 0.011, p = 0.005). The frequency of the A allele of SNP12 in the cryptorchid group was higher than in the control group (p = 0.038). However, no significant difference was observed between the cryptorchid group and control group of homozygote individuals for the A allele of SNP12 (p = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that the A allele of SNP12 may increase the risk of hypospadias or cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Fa Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
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Abstract
Complete testicular descent is a sign of, and a prerequisite for, normal testicular function in adult life. The process of testis descent is dependent on gubernacular growth and reorganization, which is regulated by the Leydig cell hormones insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and testosterone. Investigation of the role of INSL3 and its receptor, relaxin-family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), has contributed substantially to our understanding of the hormonal control of testicular descent. Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation, which is seen in 2-9% of newborn boys, and confers an increased risk of infertility and testicular cancer in adulthood. Although some cases of isolated cryptorchidism in humans can be ascribed to known genetic defects, such as mutations in INSL3 or RXFP2, the cause of cryptorchidism remains unknown in most patients. Several animal and human studies are currently underway to test the hypothesis that in utero factors, including environmental and maternal lifestyle factors, may be involved in the etiology of cryptorchidism. Overall, the etiology of isolated cryptorchidism seems to be complex and multifactorial, involving both genetic and nongenetic components.
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ESR1 promoter polymorphism is not associated with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:369-71, 371.e1-2. [PMID: 20887985 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ESR1 promoter microsatellite (TA)n was reported as a potential functional polymorphism. In a case-control study, we were unable to demonstrate any association between (TA)n and nonsyndromic cryptorchidism in Italian and Spanish study populations.
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Safarinejad MR, Shafiei N, Safarinejad S. Association of polymorphisms in the estrogen receptors alpha, and beta (ESR1, ESR2) with the occurrence of male infertility and semen parameters. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 122:193-203. [PMID: 20599614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 05/16/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial condition with a strong genetic component. In the last decade a large number of investigations focused on the identification of gene variants affecting spermatogenesis in human. Polymorphisms of the estrogen receptor (ER) genes, have been implicated in male infertility, however, comprehensive data are lacking. We investigated the association between the ER-α gene (ESR1) PvuII and XbaI and ER-β gene (ESR2) RsaI and Alul polymorphisms and the idiopathic male infertility in Iranian males. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to detect the ER-α, and ER-β gene polymorphisms in 164 infertile men and 164 age-matched healthy controls. Reproductive hormones were measured and at least two semen analyses were performed in each subject. Significant differences were observed in the frequency distribution of Pvull and XbaI in the ESR-α gene and RsaI and Alul in the ER-β gene between patients and controls. The presence of the ER-α Pvull TC (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.26-0.80; P = 0.011), ER-α XbaI AG (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31-0.84; P = 0.017), and ER-β Alul GG (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.265-0.84; P = 0.012) genotypes suggest a protective effect for infertility. The ER-β RsaI AG (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.61-3.22; P = 0.012) and ER-β Alul AG (OR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.64-3.66; P=0.014) genotypes are associated with increased infertility risk. Subjects (both fertile and infertile) with ER-α Pvull TT, ER-α XbaI AA, ER-β RsaI AG, and ER-β Alul AG genotypes had significantly lower levels of serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and luteinizing hormone (LH), but, higher serum levels of free estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The same genotypes had significantly lower values for sperm density, sperm motility, and percentage of sperm with normal morphology. Our results further suggest a possible role of ESR-α, and ER-β variants on male infertility. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings as well as to better elucidate the biological mechanisms of the modulation of ESR-α, and ER-β on male infertility.
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[Cryptorchidism: from physiopathology to infertility]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 38:588-99. [PMID: 20870444 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2010.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a defect of testicular descent. Hormonal, genetic and environmental factors might also contribute to the aetiology of cryptorchidism and its increased incidence in recent years in industrialised countries. Cryptorchidism itself might be considered a complex disease. This testicular pathology represents the best-characterized risk factor for reduced fertility and testicular cancer. The purpose of this review is to better understand physiopathology and mechanisms of infertility in men with history of cryptorchidism.
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Boada M, Antunez C, López-Arrieta J, Caruz A, Moreno-Rey C, Ramírez-Lorca R, Morón FJ, Hernández I, Mauleón A, Rosende-Roca M, Martínez-Lage P, Marín J, Tárraga L, Alegret M, Pedrajas JR, Urda N, Royo JL, Saez ME, Gayán J, González-Pérez A, Real LM, Ruiz A, Galán JJ. Estrogen receptor alpha gene variants are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2010; 33:198.e15-24. [PMID: 20674091 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The present research is aimed at assessing the role of 3 estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) gene variants in late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) susceptibility. One thousand one hundred thirteen unrelated late onset sporadic AD patients, 1109 healthy controls and 121 neurologically healthy elderly controls were used to carry out case-control genetic association studies with ESR1 rs3844508, rs2234693, and ESR1 noncoding deletion 1 (ESR1-NCD1) polymorphisms. Thirty-five healthy male samples were used for molecular analyses. The rs2234693 polymorphism is associated with AD in our population (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; p = 0.008). The rs3844508 marker confers protection against AD in males (OR, 0.57; p = 0.001) and the deletion ESR1-NCD1 is a risk factor for AD in women (OR, 1.67; p < 0.001). Molecular analyses on ESR1-NCD1 indicate that this deletion confers a higher response to estradiol activity on ESR1 receptor and it is also associated with differential expression of ESR1 isoforms. Our results support the involvement of ESR1 gene in AD and point to the existence of sexual dimorphism for ESR1 markers. In addition, carriers of ESR1-NCD1 deletion could overrespond to estradiol action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercé Boada
- ACE Foundation, Catalan Institute of Applied Neurosciences, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a common genital anomaly diagnosed at birth or during childhood. Genetic and/or environmental factors that alter expression or function of hormones crucial for testicular descent, insulin-like 3, and testosterone, may contribute to cryptorchidism. When identified at birth, surgical treatment is indicated by 6 months of age if testes fail to descend, or at the time of diagnosis in older children. A laparoscopic approach is preferred for abdominal testes. Early surgical therapy may reduce the risk of subfertility and/or malignancy.
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Pathirana IN, Tanaka K, Kawate N, Tsuji M, Kida K, Hatoya S, Inaba T, Tamada H. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3' region of the estrogen receptor 1 gene in normal and cryptorchid Miniature Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:405-10. [PMID: 20453437 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-195t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to examine the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and estimated haplotypes in the canine estrogen receptor (ER) alpha gene (ESR1) and the association of them with different phenotypes of cryptorchidism (CO) in Miniature Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. Forty CO and 68 normal dogs were used, and CO was classified into unilateral (UCO; n=33) and bilateral CO (BCO; n=5) or into abdominal (ACO; n=16) and inguinal CO (ICO; n=22). Thirteen DNA fragments located in the 70-kb region at the 3' end of ESR1 were amplified by PCR and sequenced to examine 13 SNPs (#1-#13) reported in a canine SNP database. Ten SNPs (#1-#4, #7, #8, #10-#13) were not polymorphic, and 5 new SNPs (#14-#18) were discovered. A common haplotype block in normal, CO and CO phenotypes was identified for an approximately 20-kb region encompassing 4 SNPs (#14-#17). Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies in CO without classification by phenotype and also in UCO, ACO and ICO phenotypes were not statistically different from the normal group. Significant differences in genotype frequencies and homozygosity for the estimated GTTG haplotype within the block were observed in BCO compared with the normal group, although the number of BCO animals was small. Our results demonstrate that the examined SNPs and haplotypes in the 3' end of canine ESR1 are not associated with unilateral, abdominal and inguinal CO phenotypes and CO per se in Miniature Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. Further studies are necessary to suggest a clear association between the ESR1 SNPs and bilateral CO in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indunil Nishantha Pathirana
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
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O'Flynn O'Brien KL, Varghese AC, Agarwal A. The genetic causes of male factor infertility: a review. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:1-12. [PMID: 20103481 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Revised: 10/27/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To illustrate the necessity for an enhanced understanding of the genetic basis of male factor infertility, to present a comprehensive synopsis of these genetic elements, and to review techniques being utilized to produce new insights in fertility research. BACKGROUND Male factor infertility is a complex disorder that affects a large sector of the population; however, many of its etiologies are unknown. By elucidating the underlying genetic basis of infertile phenotypes, it may be possible to discover the causes of infertility and determine effective treatments for patients. METHOD(S) The PubMed database was consulted for the most relevant papers published in the last 3 years pertaining to male factor infertility using the keywords "genetics" and "male infertility." RESULT(S) Advances have been made in the characterization of the roles of specific genes, but further research is necessary before these results can be used as guidelines for diagnosing and treating male factor infertility. The accurate transmission of epigenetic information also has considerable influence on fertility in males and on the fertility of their offspring. CONCLUSION(S) Analysis of the genetic factors that impact male factor infertility will provide valuable insights into the creation of targeted treatments for patients and the determination of the causes of idiopathic infertility. Novel technologies that analyze the influence of genetics from a global perspective may lead to further developments in the understanding of the etiology of male factor infertility through the identification of specific infertile phenotype signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L O'Flynn O'Brien
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
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Martin O, Shialis T, Lester J, Scrimshaw M, Boobis A, Voulvoulis N. Testicular dysgenesis syndrome and the estrogen hypothesis: a quantitative meta-analysis. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2009; 13:1601-18. [PMID: 18813661 DOI: 10.1590/s1413-81232008000500024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2007] [Accepted: 11/07/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive tract abnormalities such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism, and testicular cancer have been proposed to comprise a common syndrome together with impaired spermatogenesis with a common etiology resulting from the disruption of gonadal development during fetal life, the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). The only quantitative summary estimate of the link between prenatal exposure to estrogenic agents and testicular cancer was published over 10 years ago; other reviews of the link between estrogenic compounds, other than the potent pharmaceutical estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES), and TDS end points have remained inconclusive. We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of the association between the end points related to TDS and prenatal exposure to estrogenic agents. Inclusion in this analysis was based on mechanistic criteria, and the plausibility of an estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha-mediated mode of action was specifically explored. Eight studies were included, investigating the etiology of hypospadias and/or cryptorchidism that had not been identified in previous systematic reviews. Four additional studies of pharmaceutical estrogens yielded a statistically significant updated summary estimate for testicular cancer. Results of the subset analyses point to the existence of unidentified sources of heterogeneity between studies or within the study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olwenn Martin
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Diribarne M, Vaiman A, Péchayre M, Pailhoux E, Mata X, Guérin G, Chaffaux S. Polymorphism Analysis of Microsatellites Associated with Seven Candidate Genes for Equine Cryptorchidism. J Equine Vet Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2008.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Su MT, Chen CH, Kuo PH, Hsu CC, Lee IW, Pan HA, Chen YT, Kuo PL. Polymorphisms of estrogen-related genes jointly confer susceptibility to human spermatogenic defect. Fertil Steril 2008; 93:141-9. [PMID: 18980759 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2008] [Revised: 08/17/2008] [Accepted: 09/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a multilocus model for studying the effect of estrogen-related genes on impaired spermatogenesis. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING University-based reproductive clinics and genetics laboratory. PATIENT(S) A total of 183 oligozoospermatic (sperm count <20 x 10(6)/mL) or azoospermatic males and 120 fertile control males were included. INTERVENTION(S) A total of 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from nine genes (estrogen receptors [ER-alpha, ER-beta], estrogen synthesizing/metabolizing genes [CYP17, CYP19A1, HSD17B2, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, COMT], and transport genes [SHBG]) were genotyped. The combinatorial effect of multiple genetic variants was assessed using the multilocus model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Significantly associated SNPs and odds ratio (OR). RESULT(S) Six SNPs from five genes (rs180113 of ER-alpha gene, rs1256049 of ER-beta gene, rs1048943 of CYP1A1 gene, rs8191246 of HSD17B2 gene, and rs1799941 along with rs6259 of SHBG gene) were found to be significantly associated with spermatogenic defect. The genes were further divided into three categories according to their functions (receptors, synthesis and metabolism, and transporter). Based on our multilocus risk model, men with risk alleles in two of the three gene families had increased risk of impaired sperm production (OR = 10.5). The OR further increased to 34.6 for men with unfavorable alleles for all three gene families. CONCLUSION(S) Polymorphisms of estrogen-related genes jointly confer susceptibility to human spermatogenic defect at the prereceptor, receptor, and postreceptor levels in the Taiwanese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Tsz Su
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Nonsyndromic cryptorchidism or undescended testis is a structural defect of infants and children whose etiology is unknown but likely related to a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. This review will focus on factors that may contribute to the etiology of this common and complex disease. RECENT FINDINGS The incidence of cryptorchidism is estimated to be 2-4% or higher in some populations. Data suggesting increasing prevalence are conflicting, possibly related to problems with diagnostic accuracy. Increased risk of cryptorchidism in first-degree relatives suggests a significant genetic contribution to susceptibility. Sequence variants within key candidate genes, such as insulin-like 3 and relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2, in cases of nonsyndromic cryptorchidism are infrequent and of unclear significance. Epidemiological data suggest that fetal growth restriction, maternal factors such as smoking, alcohol use and gestational diabetes, and exposure to environmental chemicals may contribute to risk, although data are inconsistent. SUMMARY The available evidence suggests a significant genetic contribution to cryptorchidism susceptibility that may be modulated by environmental risk factors. Additional studies are needed to define these factors, their complex interaction and their effects on testicular development and descent.
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Foresta C, Zuccarello D, Garolla A, Ferlin A. Role of hormones, genes, and environment in human cryptorchidism. Endocr Rev 2008; 29:560-80. [PMID: 18436703 DOI: 10.1210/er.2007-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is the most frequent congenital birth defect in male children (2-4% in full-term male births), and it has the potential to impact the health of the human male. In fact, although it is often considered a mild malformation, it represents the best-characterized risk factor for reduced fertility and testicular cancer. Furthermore, some reports have highlighted a significant increase in the prevalence of cryptorchidism over the last few decades. Etiology of cryptorchidism remains for the most part unknown, and cryptorchidism itself might be considered a complex disease. Major regulators of testicular descent from intraabdominal location into the bottom of the scrotum are the Leydig-cell-derived hormones testosterone and insulin-like factor 3. Research on possible genetic causes of cryptorchidism has increased recently. Abundant animal evidence supports a genetic cause, whereas the genetic contribution to human cryptorchidism is being elucidated only recently. Mutations in the gene for insulin-like factor 3 and its receptor and in the androgen receptor gene have been recognized as causes of cryptorchidism in some cases, but some chromosomal alterations, above all the Klinefelter syndrome, are also frequently involved. Environmental factors acting as endocrine disruptors of testicular descent might also contribute to the etiology of cryptorchidism and its increased incidence in recent years. Furthermore, polymorphisms in different genes have recently been investigated as contributing risk factors for cryptorchidism, alone or by influencing susceptibility to endocrine disruptors. Obviously, the interaction of environmental and genetic factors is fundamental, and many aspects have been clarified only recently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Foresta
- University of Padova, Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
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Wang Y, Barthold J, Figueroa E, González R, Noh PH, Wang M, Manson J. Analysis of five single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ESR1 gene in cryptorchidism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 82:482-5. [PMID: 18452179 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent findings suggest that a specific haplotype, including five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3'-terminal region of the estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1), is associated with the risk for cryptorchidism, but results have been conflicting in different populations. The goal of this study was to further define the association between this specific ESR1 haplotype and the risk for nonsyndromic cryptorchidism in a multiracial American population including Caucasian, African American, and Asian American subjects. METHODS Applied Biosystems TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays were used to identify the genotypes of the five SNPs in ESR1 in 152 nonsyndromic cryptorchidism cases and 160 healthy controls. RESULTS For the five SNPs, there were no significant differences in genotype frequencies between cases and controls. The four estimated haplotypes at the 3' region of ESR1 gene were also not associated with the occurrence of cryptorchidism, but the haplotype AGATC was associated with the severity of cryptorchidism. SNP12 (rs6932902) in ESR1 was not associated with cryptorchidism per se, but was associated with increasing severity of cryptorchidism. Severe cases were more likely to have GG genotype (93%) than moderate (54%) cases (p = .04), and this association was in recessive mode (p = .02). The allele distribution of this SNP was also significantly different between moderate and severe cases: 97% of severe cases had the G allele while only 76% of moderate cases had the G allele (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS SNP12 in ESR1 is not associated with the occurrence of cryptorchidism but is associated with the severity of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wang
- Division of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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31
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Nuti F, Krausz C. Gene polymorphisms/mutations relevant to abnormal spermatogenesis. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 16:504-13. [PMID: 18413059 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60457-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the identification of an increasing number of candidate genes involved in spermatogenesis, the armamentarium of diagnostic genetic tests in male infertility remains extremely limited. A number of new causative mutations have been reported for hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism but still the genetic diagnosis in this pathological condition is made only in about 20% of cases. The sole molecular genetic test that is routinely proposed in severe spermatogenic disturbances is screening for Yq microdeletion. The search for causative mutations in the Y chromosome, and in autosomal and X-linked genes, has mostly been unsuccessful. The paucity of gene mutations raises questions about the appropriateness of the currently used screening approaches. Among the proposed genetic risk factors, gr/gr deletion of the Y chromosome seems to be the most promising polymorphism. Other polymorphisms are awaiting further confirmation, whereas for some (POLG, DAZL, USP26, FSHR) a lack of association with abnormal spermatogenesis has now been ascertained. It is likely that some polymorphisms lead to testicular dysfunction only when in association with a specific genetic background or with environmental factors. Future large-scale studies with stringent study design may provide a more efficient way to identify clinically relevant genetic factors of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nuti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Martin OV, Shialis T, Lester JN, Scrimshaw MD, Boobis AR, Voulvoulis N. Testicular dysgenesis syndrome and the estrogen hypothesis: a quantitative meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:149-57. [PMID: 18288311 PMCID: PMC2235228 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2007] [Accepted: 11/07/2007] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive tract abnormalities such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism, and testicular cancer have been proposed to comprise a common syndrome together with impaired spermatogenesis with a common etiology resulting from the disruption of gonadal development during fetal life, the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). The hypothesis that in utero exposure to estrogenic agents could induce these disorders was first proposed in 1993. The only quantitative summary estimate of the association between prenatal exposure to estrogenic agents and testicular cancer was published over 10 years ago, and other systematic reviews of the association between estrogenic compounds, other than the potent pharmaceutical estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES), and TDS end points have remained inconclusive. OBJECTIVES We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of the association between the end points related to TDS and prenatal exposure to estrogenic agents. Inclusion in this analysis was based on mechanistic criteria, and the plausibility of an estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha-mediated mode of action was specifically explored. RESULTS We included in this meta-analysis eight studies investigating the etiology of hypospadias and/or cryptorchidism that had not been identified in previous systematic reviews. Four additional studies of pharmaceutical estrogens yielded a statistically significant updated summary estimate for testicular cancer. CONCLUSIONS The doubling of the risk ratios for all three end points investigated after DES exposure is consistent with a shared etiology and the TDS hypothesis but does not constitute evidence of an estrogenic mode of action. Results of the subset analyses point to the existence of unidentified sources of heterogeneity between studies or within the study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olwenn V. Martin
- Centre for Environmental Policy and
- Experimental Medicine and Toxicology Group, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | | | - John N. Lester
- Centre for Water Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
| | - Mark D. Scrimshaw
- Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alan R. Boobis
- Experimental Medicine and Toxicology Group, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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Tüttelmann F, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Nieschlag E, Simoni M. Gene polymorphisms and male infertility--a meta-analysis and literature review. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 15:643-58. [PMID: 18062861 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many genetic polymorphisms have been studied extensively to elucidate their role in the pathophysiology of male infertility. This article presents a review of the literature following a thorough search of PubMed, a compilation of meta-analyses of studies reporting an association with male fertility where the population(s) could be clearly identified as fertile and/or infertile, and a summary of all polymorphisms that have been investigated in single case-control studies to date. The meta-analyses revealed significant associations between polymorphism and male fertility only for AZF gr/gr deletions (OR 1.81, 1.46-2.24 CI, P<0.00001) and MTHFR 677C-->T (OR 1.39, 1.15-2.69 95% CI, P=0.0006) but not for POLG, DAZL, USP26 or FSHR. The influence of CAG repeat length in AR remains open and debated. Genes encoding nuclear proteins (PRM1/2, TNP1/2) and ER1 are possible candidates for further examination, while the role of TAF7L remains unclear. Polymorphisms in 16 other genes have been investigated in single studies, but the results remain doubtful due to often small and heterogeneous cohorts and in the absence of independent replications. The genetic studies performed so far emphasize the complexity of male infertility as a presumably polygenetic trait amended by environmental, lifestyle or occupational factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, Domagkstrasse 11, D-48129 Münster, Germany
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34
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Ferlin A, Zuccarello D, Garolla A, Selice R, Foresta C. Hormonal and genetic control of testicular descent. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 15:659-65. [PMID: 18062862 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60532-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism has the potential to affect the health of the human male. Although it is often considered a mild malformation, it represents the best-characterized risk factor for reduced fertility and testicular cancer. The aetiology of cryptorchidism remains, for the most part, unknown and cryptorchidism itself might be considered a complex disease. This reflects the intricate mechanisms regulating testicular development and descent from intra-abdominal location into the bottom of the scrotum, involving different anatomical and hormonal factors. Major actors of testicular descent are the Leydig cell-derived hormones testosterone and insulin-like factor 3, even if other factors may play a role. Although considerable evidence exists in animals to support a genetic cause, the genetic contribution to human cryptorchidism is only recently being elucidated. Environmental factors might also contribute to the aetiology of cryptorchidism and its increased incidence in recent years. Mutations in the gene for insulin-like factor 3 and its receptor and in the androgen receptor gene explain a minority of cases of cryptorchidism, but research on genetic polymorphisms that may also influence susceptibility to endocrine disruptors is shedding light on this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferlin
- University of Padova, Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
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35
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Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of testicular failure remains unknown in about half of the cases and is referred to as "idiopathic infertility". "Idiopathic" testicular failure is of probable genetic origin since the number of genes involved in human spermatogenesis is likely thousands and only a small proportion of them have been identified and screened in infertile men. In parallel with studies aimed to identify mutations with a clear cause-effect relationship in spermatogenesis candidate genes, there is an increasing interest towards genetic susceptibility factors to male infertility. Despite many efforts, only a few clinically relevant polymorphisms have been identified. This is mainly related to the multifactorial nature of male infertility and to the inappropriate study design of the majority of the studies. The most promising polymorphisms are in genes involved in the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis and on the Y chromosome, the "gr/gr" deletions. Polymorphisms are generally considered as co-factors. Their final effect on testis function and fertility is probably modulated by the genetic background of each individual and/or by the presence of certain environmental factors. In this review, recent findings concerning some of the most widely studied polymorphisms and male infertility will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Krausz
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Viale Pieraccini, 6 Firenze, Italy.
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36
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Ferlin A, Raicu F, Gatta V, Zuccarello D, Palka G, Foresta C. Male infertility: role of genetic background. Reprod Biomed Online 2007; 14:734-45. [PMID: 17579990 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60677-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility represents one of the clearest examples of a complex disease with a substantial genetic basis. Numerous male mouse models, mutation screening and association studies reported over the last few years reveal the high prevalence of genetic causes of spermatogenic impairment, accounting for 10-15% of severe male infertility, including chromosomal aberrations and single gene mutations. Natural selection prevents the transmission of mutations causing infertility, but this protective mechanism may be overcome by assisted reproduction techniques. Consequently, the identification of genetic factors is important for appropriate management of the infertile couple. However, a large proportion of infertile males are diagnosed as idiopathic, reflecting poor understanding of the basic mechanisms regulating spermatogenesis and sperm function. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying spermatogenic damage in cases of genetic infertility (for example Yq microdeletions) are not known. These problems can be addressed only by large scale association studies and testicular or spermatozoal expression studies in well-defined alterations of spermatogenesis. It is conceivable that these studies will have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications in the future. This review discusses the genetic causes of male infertility known to date, the genetic polymorphisms possibly associated with male infertility, and reports novel results of global gene expression profiling of normal human testis by microarray technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferlin
- University of Padova, Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Morón FJ, Galán JJ, Ruiz A. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation pharmacogenetics: a simplified model to genetically dissect estrogen-related diseases. Pharmacogenomics 2007; 8:775-85. [PMID: 17638514 DOI: 10.2217/14622416.8.7.775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics to assisted reproductive techniques will help clinicians to improve the efficacy of hormone treatments that are being routinely applied during assisted reproductive technique protocols. Genetic markers involving controlled ovarian hyperstimulation pharmacogenetics are being isolated within follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogen receptor signaling pathways using the candidate gene approach. Furthermore, the information obtained during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation pharmacogenetics studies could be applied to other estrogen-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, breast cancer, essential hypertension and many other diseases related to estrogen production or its mechanism of action. The theory that estrogen-related diseases may share some risk factors with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation efficacy, and side effects linked to genetic markers, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Jesús Morón
- Parque Científico y Tecnológico Isla de la Cartuja, Departamento de Genomica Estructural, neoCodex, C/Charles Darwin sn, 41092-Sevilla, Spain
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