PROTAMINE1 and PROTAMINE2 genes expression in the sperms of oligoasthenospermic individuals and intrauterine insemination candidates couples: Is there any significant differences?

Male infertility refers to a male’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female. It seems the large portion of this category of infertility, has roots in genetic factors. PROTAMINE family is one of the most important genes which are involved in male factor infertility. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate PROTAMINE1 and PROTAMINE2 (P1 and P2) genes expression in oligoasthenospermic individuals and intrauterine insemination (IUI) candidate couples’ sperms.

Samples were gathered from the patients referred to the Isfahan Infertility Center of Shahid Beheshti, 80 semen samples were in IUI candidates groups and 16 semen samples were in oligoasthenospermia group was collected. The outcome of IUI procedure was followed up after 14 days. Through these samples, 16 couples achieved pregnancy (IUI+) and from the top of the list, 16 semen samples with negative β‑HCG were obtained (IUI−). After RNA extraction from sperms, PROTAMINE genes family expression was evaluated in our three groups by real time‑reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Our study revealed that P1 gene expression has no significant differences between IUI−, IUI+, and oligoasthenospermia groups, whereas P2 gene expression showed significant differences between oligoasthenospermia with two IUI groups. Main sperm parameters have no significant differences between IUI groups.

This study reveals P1 and P2 genes expression value have no significant differences between IUI− and IUI+. On the other hand, P2 gene expression value has significant differences between oligoasthenospermia with two IUI groups.